The Women's Business Centers Improvement Act of 2026 significantly amends the Small Business Act to enhance the Women's Business Center Program. It formally establishes an Office of Women's Business Ownership within the Small Business Administration, led by an Assistant Administrator, to oversee and administer programs supporting women entrepreneurs. The bill defines eligible entities and outlines the comprehensive entrepreneurial counseling and training services that Women's Business Centers (WBCs) must provide, with a special focus on socially and economically disadvantaged women. The legislation introduces a structured grant system, offering initial 5-year grants and subsequent continuation grants , each up to $300,000 annually, adjusted for inflation, with no limit on continuation grants. Grantees must meet specific matching fund requirements, contributing one non-Federal dollar for every two Federal dollars in the first two years, and a 1:1 match thereafter. Up to half of these matching funds can be in-kind contributions, such as office equipment or space. To ensure accountability and effectiveness, the bill mandates rigorous oversight, including a site visit before initial grants and annual programmatic and financial examinations of each WBC. If problems are identified, centers must submit a plan of action for remediation, with a clear appeal process for adverse decisions. Furthermore, the Administrator is required to consult with any majority Women's Business Center Association on program development and operations. A key new provision is the establishment of an accreditation program for eligible entities, with standards to be published within 270 days of enactment. After a two-year transition period, accreditation will generally be required for continuation grants, though waivers may be granted for good faith efforts. The Office of Women's Business Ownership's mission is to foster women's participation in the economy, create public-private partnerships, and ensure women are well-represented in all SBA programs. The bill also includes strict privacy requirements , prohibiting WBCs from disclosing client information without consent, except under specific legal or audit circumstances. It mandates an annual management report to Congress, detailing WBC effectiveness through metrics like participant demographics, new businesses started, jobs created, capital secured, and satisfaction surveys. This report aims to provide comprehensive data on the program's impact and areas for improvement. Finally, the Act authorizes $31.5 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2029 to fund the program, with appropriations remaining available until expended. A small percentage of these funds is allocated for administrative costs, and at least $500,000 is specifically designated for the accreditation program and an annual conference. This significant funding aims to ensure the continued growth and quality of services provided by Women's Business Centers nationwide.