An important deadline is just one month away.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s proposal for implementing a contract set-aside program for women-owned small businesses is open for public comment until Feb. 25.

After seven years of foot-dragging, the SBA has created a plan that has little, if any, chance at helping the federal government reach the modest congressional mandate that 5 percent of federal contract dollars go to small businesses owned by women.

To read more of Lauren's article, visit http://www.bizjournals.com/bizwomen/index.php/2008/01/25/an-important-deadline-is-just-one-month-away/.