Source: NAWBO Advocacy eBlast, March 6, 2026
The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is actively engaged with advocacy related to policies affecting small businesses. The recent NAWBO Advocacy eBlast included the following highlights:
- Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act Reauthorization
At the federal level, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs help small businesses develop new technologies and bring research-driven innovations to market. Proposed reforms are intended to strengthen oversight of research funding, prioritize participation by truly small businesses, and help safeguard U.S. innovations. The legislation will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
- Workforce Policy: Paid Family and Medical Leave
A subcommittee of the House Education Workforce Committee recently held a hearing on policy approaches to expanding paid family and medical leave. Lawmakers examined how federal and state programs might better coordinate benefits while addressing the challenges small employers face when managing leave policies. NAWBO has indicated it plans to submit a formal statement supporting continued bipartisan work on this issue.
- NAWBO Advocacy Survey
NAWBO released information from a recent advocacy survey of more than 850 members. Respondents identified taxes, artificial intelligence, and access to capital as the top policy concerns for women business owners. The most common day-to-day challenge cited was attracting new customers, while training on AI tools emerged as the most requested resource for business growth. Despite these pressures, more than 70% of respondents said they remain somewhat or very optimistic about the future of their businesses.
For the full NAWBO advocacy update, visit https://nawbo.org/blog/nawbo-advocacy-update-march-6th.