Representative Steve Knight (CA-25) introduced a bipartisan bill on Wednesday that would assist women start and grow their own small businesses. This legislation would improve federal program for female small business owners.

The Women’s Business Centers Improvements Act of 2017 would make changes to the Women’s Business Center (WBC) program, a federal network of educational centers that provide resources and guidance to female entrepreneurs. Currently the program requires clarification in the areas of oversight and a clear accreditation process. Knight’s legislation aims to address these problems and increase funding for the program so that it can expand and improve service quality.

“Improving our investments in economic development programs that work is a priority Congressman Knight is clearly passionate about, and we’re lucky to have his leadership in our efforts to strengthen Women’s Business Centers,” said House Small Business Committee Chairman Steve Chabot.

According the Small Business Administration (SBA) there are 63 women-owned small businesses in California’s 25th Congressional District, which spans the Antelope, Santa Clarita, and Simi Valleys. Knight, who serves as Chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and the Workforce, wants to see that number grow and identified WBCs as a valuable tool to increase opportunities for those women interested in starting a small business.

“The Association of Women’s Business Centers applauds Congressman Knight on the introduction of important legislation for women entrepreneurs nationwide,” said Antonella Pianalto, President and CEO of the Association of Women’s Business Centers, which supports the national network of (WBCs) by providing training, mentoring, programing, and advocacy with the goal of improving services to women entrepreneurs. “Strengthening the WBC program, which has been on the frontlines of training, counseling and providing a pathway to capital for women, is our top priority. This bill will help WBCs meet the growing demand for services as a result of the explosion of women entrepreneurs.”

“There are barriers to entry that put many of our women small business owners at a disadvantage, and WBCs have the potential to ensure that there is a level playing field in the entrepreneurial world,” said Knight. “This legislation would improve the program so that we can increase opportunities for the female entrepreneurs in our community.”