he Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 became law on October 25, 1988. The purpose of the Act was to stimulate the economy by providing long-term training and counseling to aid and encourage the growth and development of small businesses owned and controlled by women. Title ll of the act established the Demonstration Program to assist women with financial, management, procurement, and marketing assistance.

According to the Center for Women's Business research, as of 2002, there are an estimated 6.2 million majority-owned, privately held women-owned businesses in the United States. These firms are generating $1.15 trillion in sales and employ 9.2 million workers.

Western Dairyland's Women's Business Center (WDWBC) was funded in 1999. In the first year of operation this center provided business related training to 323 individuals, assisted in the development of seven new businesses, guided five business expansions, and created 13 jobs. The Center's primary service area is Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson, and Trempeleau counties in Western Wisconsin. Clients can receive service from either Business Enterprise Center location or over the internet.