U.S. Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship (SBC), and U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ranking Member of the SBC, last night passed a Senate resolution declaring October to be National Women’s Small Business Month.

“Women-owned small businesses contribute a vital portion of our nation’s economy, surpassing other groups in the past decades to become one of the fastest growing sectors of the United States economy. While we should certainly recognize their efforts year-round, I’m proud to announce that the Senate has unanimously passed a Resolution designating October to be National Women’s Small Business Month,” said Vitter. “Supporting women entrepreneurs and ensuring they are afforded the highest quality assistance available to enable their success are some of the most important steps we can take in fostering the startups and growth that they bring to communities across America.”

“Our country has more than 10 million women-owned small businesses that are creating jobs and fueling our economy,” said Shaheen. “While we’ve seen impressive growth in women’s entrepreneurship, there’s more work to be done to encourage women to start businesses. I’m very pleased that the Senate, by designating October as National Women’s Small Business Month, has formally recognized the many contributions that women in small business make to our country.”

As SBC Chairman, Vitter has tirelessly advocated for women entrepreneurs. In March, Vitter hosted a roundtable discussion in New Orleans, La. with Louisiana women small business owners from across the state and the National Women’s Business Council to discuss the struggles businesses face, such as gaining access to capital, navigating federal regulations, and competing in government contracts, as well as recognizing the successful women-owned business climate in Louisiana. Click here to read more.

Also yesterday, Vitter, Shaheen, and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) unanimously passed through the Committee the bipartisan Women’s Small Business Ownership Act of 2015, which would strengthen and expand support for women entrepreneurs through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center (WBC) Program. Click here to read more.

In July 2015, Vitter and Shaheen led a group of twelve bipartisan Senators to introduce a Senate Resolution honoring the National Association of Women Business Owners. Vitter also introduced the bipartisan Veterans Small Business Ownership Improvements Act, which establishes a business outreach center program for women veterans. Click here to read more.

It is widely reported that women-owned businesses account for an estimated 30% of all businesses in the United States with estimated revenues of nearly $1.5 million and employ over 7.9 million workers. Click here to read more.

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