2019 WIPP Policy Pillars |
2019 WIPP Policy Pillars
These pillars represent the core issues critical to the success of women business owners and the areas of policy WIPP will focus on from an advocacy perspective.
Create Parity for WOSBs in Federal Contracting
WIPP has tackled federal contracting issues since its inception. Access to federal markets continues to be a challenge for WOSBs, given that the federal government has only met its modest goal of 5% awards to WOSBs once. To remove these barriers, WIPP fought for implementation of the WOSB procurement program which gives federal agencies the authority to set aside contracts for WOSBs. In 2015, WIPP pressed for – and achieved – the swift implementation of sole source authority to the WOSB Procurement Program. WIPP’s efforts to level the playing field cuts across a wide set of issues relating to the government’s acquisition policy. Without our advocacy, small businesses and WOSB businesses will continue to lose ground as procurements become larger and longer. One missing piece is good data on these large, multi-year contracts also known as MACs. In addition, the government does not have sufficient data on whether subcontracting commitments have been met. A significant legislative victory was achieved in 2018, giving small firms more “runway” to transition out of the small business set aside program and into full and open competition. The law allows businesses to average revenues over 5 years rather than the previous 3 years for purposes of determining size standards. Invest in Infrastructure Improvements
Although the Congress and the President have yet to find a path forward on improvements to the nation’s physical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges and air traffic systems, technology infrastructure should also be considered part of any improvement plan. Any legislative proposals with respect to infrastructure improvements should require the transmittal of WOSB and small business goals contained in the Small Business Act to translate to every project.
Increase Access to Capital for Women-Owned Businesses
Capital is the lifeline of business. For women, however, accessing capital continues to be difficult. According to Pitchbook, although women received 4.9% of all VC deals, the dollar amount of these deals was just over 2% in 2016. Women only receive 4% of all commercial loan dollars.
Ensure Fair Tax Treatment for All Businesses
WIPP provided the critical voice of women business owners in the tax code overhaul in 2017. Congress, for the first time, addressed the taxation of pass-through entities (LLCs, S Corps and Partnerships), a hard-fought victory for WIPP.
Rethink Workforce Development
Key to the success of women owned businesses is human capital – a dynamic workforce that meets the needs of an ever-changing business environment. Government and business need to work together to ready a workforce that can meet those challenges.
Demystify Global Markets
Of the more than $1.1 trillion exported in the U.S. each year, small businesses make up about one-third of export value, or $440 billion. Increasing trade between the U.S. and other countries will improve the economy and create jobs. However, not enough small businesses have access to opportunities in international markets: of the 27 million small businesses in the U.S. only around 265,000, or less than one percent, currently sell their products to foreign buyers. |
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