The Women's Bureau, through its Strengthening the Family Initiatives - worker shortage, financial security, and workplace flexibility - promotes an environment that is responsive to the demands and challenges of the 21^st Century workforce. More than ever, it is vital to ensure opportunities for American women to achieve their potential in the workplace.

In FY04, the Women's Bureau will be working on the following initiatives to reach women entrepreneurs and older women workers.

Corporate Mentoring

Corporate Mentoring for Women Business Owners - The goal of this multi-regional project is to increase the number of women-owned businesses that implement or expand programs to promote workplace flexibility for 21^st century workers and their families. To facilitate this process, women-owned businesses will be brought together with corporate mentors and women business owners, who have already successfully implemented flexibility initiatives.

Women with Disabilities Entrepreneurship Project - This two-year multi-regional project is designed to train women with disabilities to become entrepreneurs. The project, now in its second year, is helping women with disabilities explore their options, develop a viable business plan, and secure funding to open their businesses. The project will reach 40 disabled women in 4 regions.

Employer-Driven Older Women Worker Program - This project developed when an employer, CVS, approached the Women's Bureau about their need for reliable employees. Collaboration among Shinae Chun, WB Director, several CVS officials, Regional Administrators (RA's) Beverly Lyle and Nancy Chen, the Dallas SER-Jobs for Progress and in Chicago, the Chinese American Service League led to a program that targets mainly Hispanic and Asian immigrant women. Upon graduation from training in life and basic computer skills, participants would be eligible to apply for career ladder positions with CVS.

The Women's Bureau is pleased to offer these initiatives in fiscal year 2004.

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For More Information About WB, Contact:
U.S. Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202) 693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725