www.uswcc.org/nwcw

The dramatic rise of American women in business is an economic movement that will be part of the proud history of United

States entrepreneurialism for decades to come. As women’s businesses have grown, we have pushed the envelope seeking bigger and bigger market opportunities – including state and federal contracting. In FY2008, the federal government spent over $9B with women-owned small businesses – the largest single market opportunity for women-owned firms in the United States.

Over the last decade, women-owned firms have fought hard to gain significant advances in the federal marketplace working with federal agencies, prime contractors, and resource providers to secure opportunities and the tools and resources necessary to be successful.

To celebrate the powerful economic accomplishments of women-owned firms, and to shine the light every year on the impact of women contractors within the single largest market opportunity in America, the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce will hold an annual celebration of “National Women Contractors’ Week” in Washington, DC with concurrent celebrations across the United States.

Awards will be given to leading women-owned small business contractors from all 50 states. Awards will also be given to federal agency leaders, prime contractors, key resource providers, and Congressional leaders that work hard every day to keep the doors to opportunity open for women in business.

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce Announces National Women Contractors’ Week March 15-19, 2010Celebrating the contributions and growth of America’s proud women-owned small business contractors during Women’s History Month

“The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce looks forward to celebrating the tremendous accomplishments of women contractors and shining the light on future economic growth opportunities for women,” says Margot Dorfman, CEO. “There are tremendous

opportunities for women business owners to expand their market reach through government contracting. The annual “National Women Contractors’ Week” celebration, awards, and activities will serve as an annual assessment and celebration of our growing accomplishments and a catalyst for future growth opportunities.”

Following the awards and reports delivered during the “National Women Contractors’ Week” celebrations, award recipients, reports, best practices and other relative information will be posted at the USWCC | National Center for Women Contractors.

National Women Contractors’ Week will be held March 15 – 19, 2010 with the primary awards ceremonies in Washington, DC held on March 18, 2010. Additional celebration events at locations across the U.S. will be announced as details become firm. Nomination forms for awards will be available shortly at www.uswcc.org/nwcw or by calling 888-41-USWCC.

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

National & Regional Celebrations March 15-19, 2010Recognition of the contributions of women contractors will be on display in Washington, DC and all across the United States through regional recognition ceremonies and media.

A full week of activities in Washington, DC (March 15-19, 2010) including federal agency contracting opportunity spotlights,

advanced federal business development training, congressional meetings and best practices will culminate with awards, recognition and the USWCC

| Annual Report on the Status of Women in Contracting on March 18th.

All across the United States regional recognition ceremonies and business development sessions will take place during National Women Contractors’ Week to reward the strong efforts of regional businesses, agencies, and advocates.

AWARDS FOR WOMEN CONTRACTORSState and national awards will be given to women contractors recognizing key areas of accomplishment:

Innovation and Performance – awarded to contractors who exhibit outstanding innovation and/or performance on a key contract that will significantly bolster their ability to secure future opportunities.

Growth Master – awarded to contractors who have achieved significant growth in the government sector over the last three years.

Emerging Star – awarded to contractors who received their first government contract award within the last two years and are on their way for future opportunities.

Steller – awarded to exceptional contractors who have shown exemplary growth, quality, and are positioned as leaders within the contracting community.

OTHER AWARDSSpecial awards will be given to important advocates, stakeholders, key staff and participants in the federal contracting process including government agencies, prime contractors, resource providers, and congressional leaders who provide outstanding support for the growth of women contractors.

REGIONAL CELEBRATION PARTNERSThe U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce will work with our regional members, association

members and partners to facilitate local ceremonies and recognition. Additionally, certain sessions in Washington, DC and around the country will be linked together via the web to expand the reach and communication opportunities.

DETAILS AND APPLICATIONSFull details of National Women Contractors’ Week presented by the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, including award applications, meetings/events, and opportunities are available at www.uswcc.org/nwcw or by calling 888-41-USWCC.

U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce

In FY2008, the federal government spent over $9B with women-owned small businesses –

representing the largest single market opportunity in the United States

for women-owned firms.

The nation’s economic leader for women.

U.S. Women’s Chamber of CommerceTM

1200 G Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20005

www.uswcc.org888-41-USWCC