SBA Free Online Digital Learning Platform

The U.S. Small Business Administration Ascent is a free digital e-learning platform geared to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses.

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Ascent has valuable content such as tips on preparing and recovering from disasters, strategic marketing and business financial strategy development.

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Ascent is a joint initiative between the White House, the SBA, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Designed to support women entrepreneurs looking to remain resilient in their operations, Ascent is packed with content and resources from each agency and backed by academic research.

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“The Ascent digital learning platform is a practical, user-friendly tool and a one-stop-shop for female entrepreneurs to gain knowledge on how to elevate their business goals, overcome burdensome challenges and grow their existing business,” said Allen Gutierrez, Associate Administrator, Office of Entrepreneurial Development.

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“The launch of this useful and timely platform will provide women-owned small businesses the resources they need to start, grow and expand their business. We hope that you enjoy your journey with Ascent.”

HUD Business Registry

Register your business on the HUD Business Registry for contracts receiving U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) funding. 

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The HUD Business Registry is a searchable online database of self-certified Section 3 businesses.  It is used by agencies, developers, contractors, and others that receive HUD funds to locate Section 3 Businesses for certain HUD-funded projects.

To self-certify  as a Section 3 Business (see definition below) register at HUD’s Business Registry:     https://portalapps.hud.gov/Sec3BusReg/BRegistry/RegisterBusiness

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A Section 3 Business meets at least one of the following criteria (documented within the last 6-month period):

• 51% or more owned or controlled by low- or very low-income individuals

• 75% of labor hours performed for the business over the prior 3-month period are performed by low- and very low-income persons

• 51% or more owned and controlled by current public housing or residents who currently live in Section 8-assisted housing

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For information:

HUD Honolulu Field Office

Contact: Jon Gonzalez @ phone 808-457-4662 or Jon.R.Gonzalez@hud.gov

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Click here for a downloadable PDF