The Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988, PL 100-533, was signed into law by President Reagon on October 25, 1988. This landmark legislation was the result of many hearings held by the House Small Business Committee, under the leadership of Rep. John LaFalce, designed to examine the status of women business owners and their role in our nation’s economy.

Testimony at those hearings helped to define the problems and suggest some solutions to the pressing issues facing women business owners. A number of significant new programs and changes in law were implemented with the passage of PL 100-533.