SBA launches new program for women contractors

Small Business Administration chief Karen Mills has a few items left on her agenda before she steps down from her appointed post and President Obama’s cabinet — one of which is helping women-owned small businesses secure more federal contracts.

The SBA, in partnership with D.C.-based public policy organization Women Impacting Public Policy and American Express OPEN, the credit card company’s small business division, recently launched an initiative to boost female contractors in the federal space.

The program, called “ChallengeHER,” features a series of events and workshops nationwide, including upcoming sessions in Washington highlighting opportunities at the Department of Energy and the Department of Health and Human Services.