Results for

  • Parren Mitchell Minority Business Education and Empowerment Act of 2019

    HR #2981 | Last Action: 5/23/2019
    Parren Mitchell Minority Business Education and Empowerment Act of 2019 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to award grants through FY2022 to historically black colleges and universities to (1) establish entrepreneurship curricula for undergraduate or graduate studies, and (2) place small business development centers on the physical campuses of such institutions.
  • Post-9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act

    HR #4991 | Last Action: 12/2/2019
    Post-9/11 Veteran Business Acceleration Act This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to collaborate with the Small Business Administration to implement a pilot program to provide financial assistance (in lieu of educational assistance) to eligible individuals under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program for the purpose of (1) establishing and operating a new qualified business enterprise, or (2) operating an existing qualified business enterprise. Eligible individuals are those who (1) are entitled to 36 months of educational assistance under the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Program, (2) are not in bankruptcy proceedings at the time of application, and (3) meet credit score requirements.
  • Native American Business Incubators Program Act

    HR #1900 | Last Action: 3/27/2019
    Native American Business Incubators Program Act This bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish a grant program in the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development for establishing and operating business incubators that serve Native American communities. A business incubator is an organization that (1) provides physical workspace and facilities resources to startups and established businesses, and (2) is designed to accelerate the growth and success of businesses through a variety of business support resources and services. Grant applicants may be institutions of higher education, private nonprofits, Native American tribes, or tribal nonprofits. Interior must facilitate the establishment of relationships between grant recipients and educational institutions serving Native American communities.
  • Global Small Business Network Act

    HR #8628 | Last Action: 10/20/2020
    Global Small Business Network Act This bill authorizes the Department of State to establish a Global Small Business Network grant program to facilitate exports by U.S. small businesses. Specifically, the State Department may award grants to institutions of higher education and nonprofits with experience in operating or working with U.S. small business development centers to (1) assist national and local governments of foreign countries with creating small business development centers, and (2) promote commerce between small businesses in the United States and the foreign economies participating in the program.
  • Native American Business Incubators Program Act

    S #294 | Last Action: 1/31/2019
    Native American Business Incubators Program Act This bill establishes a grant program to provide business incubation and other business services to Native American entrepreneurs and businesses. (Sec. 4) Specifically, the bill requires the Department of the Interior to establish a grant program in the Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development for establishing and operating business incubators that serve Native American communities. A business incubator is an organization that (1) provides physical workspace and facilities resources to start-ups and established businesses, and (2) is designed to accelerate the growth and success of businesses through a variety of business support resources and services. Grant applicants may be institutions of higher education, private nonprofits, Native American tribes, or tribal nonprofits. Interior must issue a grant for a three-year term and may renew a grant for up to three more years. Grant recipients must generally provide a nonfederal contribution of at least 25% of the annual grant disbursement each year; however, Interior may waive this requirement under certain circumstances. Further, grant recipients must provide a nonfederal contribution of at least 33% of a grant renewal. (Sec. 6) Interior must facilitate the establishment of relationships between grant recipients and educational institutions serving Native American communities. (Sec. 7) Additionally, Interior must coordinate with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Treasury, and the Small Business Administration to ensure that grant recipients have the information and materials needed to provide Native American businesses and entrepreneurs with assistance in applying for federal business and entrepreneurial development programs.
  • Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Act of 2019

    S #2034 | Last Action: 6/27/2019
    Small Business Cybersecurity Assistance Act of 2019 This bill directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide cybersecurity education and resources to small businesses and small business development centers. Specifically, the bill establishes a Cybersecurity Clearinghouse platform, jointly managed by the SBA and DHS, which shall contain public-facing cybersecurity resources in a single location for ease of reference by small businesses. The bill also requires DHS to develop educational cybersecurity materials and training programs for small business development centers to use when counseling small businesses. Such materials must address cybersecurity (1) policies and procedures, and (2) defensive and response strategies.
  • Small Business Regulatory Relief Act

    HR #2673 | Last Action: 5/10/2019
    Small Business Regulatory Relief Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to coordinate with various regulatory agencies in developing best practices for providing assistance to small businesses. The best practices shall assist the agencies in conducting programs, education, and training to help small businesses meet regulatory requirements. The SBA must also work with each agency to develop outreach initiatives to increase businesses' awareness of such assistance.
  • SECURE Small Business Act

    HR #5669 | Last Action: 1/24/2020
    Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity Usage to Reach Every Small Business Act or the SECURE Small Business Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small businesses purchase cybersecurity products and services. Specifically, the SBA must establish a website that provides a marketplace for facilitating agreements under which small businesses may cooperatively purchase cybersecurity products and services. Such website shall be free to use for small businesses and cybersecurity vendors. The SBA must also take steps to educate small businesses about the types of cybersecurity products and services that are specific to each industry sector and provide outreach to encourage use of the cooperative marketplace. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on potential improvements to existing federal initiatives that train small businesses on how to avoid cybersecurity threats.
  • SECURE Small Business Act

    S #3205 | Last Action: 1/16/2020
    Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity Usage to Reach Every Small Business Act or the SECURE Small Business Act This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small businesses purchase cybersecurity products and services. Specifically, the SBA must establish a website that provides a marketplace for facilitating agreements under which small businesses may cooperatively purchase cybersecurity products and services. Such website shall be free to use for small businesses and cybersecurity vendors. The SBA must also take steps to educate small businesses about the types of cybersecurity products and services that are specific to each industry sector and provide outreach to encourage use of the cooperative marketplace. The Government Accountability Office must study and report on potential improvements to existing federal initiatives that train small businesses on how to avoid cybersecurity threats.
  • Increasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2020

    HR #8120 | Last Action: 8/28/2020
    Increasing Opportunities for Small Businesses Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA), through specified offices, centers, and programs, to train and educate field representatives on investments in areas designated as qualified opportunity zones. Opportunity zone designation is an economic development tool that facilitates investment in distressed areas to spur economic growth and job creation in low-income communities. Field representatives shall (1) serve as the point of contact for questions and resources on such investments, (2) educate local elected leaders on such investments, and (3) hold an annual seminar in each state to provide education on how to benefit from such investments. The SBA must submit an annual report on the efforts of the field representatives.
  • Small Business Regulatory Relief Act of 2019

    S #1409 | Last Action: 5/22/2019
    Small Business Regulatory Relief Act of 2019 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to coordinate with various regulatory agencies in developing best practices for providing assistance to small businesses. The best practices shall assist the agencies in conducting programs, education, and training to help small businesses meet regulatory requirements. The SBA must also work with each agency to develop outreach initiatives to increase businesses' awareness of such assistance.
  • Minority Business Resiliency Act of 2020

    S #4208 | Last Action: 7/2/2020
    Minority Business Resiliency Act of 2020 This bill permanently authorizes the Minority Business Development Agency and provides additional funding for the agency to assist minority businesses affected by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the bill requires the agency to (1) promote and administer minority business development programs in the public and private sectors, and (2) carry out programs that increase access to capital, management, and technology for such businesses. The bill provides statutory authority for the agency's existing initiatives. Such initiatives include the Minority Business Development Center Program, which is a national network of public-private partnerships that assist, provide counseling and mentoring to, and facilitate the growth of minority businesses. The bill also establishes new initiatives to promote resiliency for minority businesses, such as (1) an annual government-business forum to review the status of problems and programs relating to capital formation by minority businesses, (2) an agency study on opportunities to provide alternative financing solutions to minority businesses, and (3) grants to institutions of higher education for developing and implementing entrepreneurship curricula.
  • Continuity of Business Operations Support Act of 2020

    HR #6349 | Last Action: 3/23/2020
    Continuity of Business Operations Support Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide grants to small business development centers, women's business centers, and chapters of the Service Corps of Retired Executives to educate and advise small businesses on specified matters related to COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). The SBA must establish goals and metrics for the use of such funds awarded to small business development centers, which shall (1) consider the extent of the circumstances relating to the spread of COVID-19 that affect small businesses served by grant recipients, (2) ensure grant recipients have the flexibility to respond to unique situations, and (3) encourage grant recipients to develop and provide services to small businesses in areas substantially affected by COVID-19.
  • Minority Business Development Act of 2019

    HR #1432 | Last Action: 2/28/2019
    Minority Business Development Act of 2019 This bill permanently authorizes the Minority Business Development Administration to assist socially and economically disadvantaged business concerns. Specifically, the bill redesignates the Minority Business Development Agency as the Minority Business Development Administration (MBDA). The MBDA shall (1) assist disadvantaged business concerns entering domestic and foreign markets by providing education and training, management and technological assistance, a skilled labor pool, and financial and marketing services; and (2) encourage such businesses to establish joint ventures and projects among themselves or in cooperation with public or private sector organizations. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission must consult and cooperate with the MBDA to promote access by disadvantaged businesses to securities markets.
  • Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

    S #342 | Last Action: 2/6/2019
    Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and otherwise revises international education programs. These programs provide grants to institutions of higher education and related entities to (1) enhance instruction in international and foreign language studies, and (2) promote international business skills and education. First, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international and foreign language studies. Specifically, it extends (1) the Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers and Programs, which include the National Resource Centers program; (2) the Language Resource Centers; (3) the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; and (4) the American Overseas Research Centers. Next, the bill reauthorizes the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships program. It also revises the program to permit graduate students to receive a stipend for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced study of a foreign language related to the student's area of specialization. Further, the bill extends the Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access program. It also modifies the program, such as by (1) revising the types of available grants, and (2) allowing the Department of Education to establish a national database on international and foreign language education. Finally, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international business skills and education. Specifically, it reauthorizes the Centers for Business Education program. It also reauthorizes the Education and Training program and otherwise makes changes to the program, including by (1) renaming the program; and (2) mandating certain program activities, such as the incorporation of specified programs and studies into professional education and technical training curricula.
  • SCORE for Small Business Act of 2019

    HR #4407 | Last Action: 10/21/2019
    SCORE for Small Business Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes through FY2022 the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) program, outlines the duties of the SCORE Association, and requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to cooperate with the association to carry out the program. Specifically, the bill requires the association to manage nationwide chapters of the program to enable volunteers participating in the program to provide personal, cost-free business expertise and facilitate education workshops to small businesses. The association must also offer online counseling through web-based platforms to small businesses. In consultation with the association, the SBA must ensure that the program (1) recruits diverse volunteers for each chapter of the program, and (2) provides services to rural and underserved communities.
  • Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act

    HR #2562 | Last Action: 5/7/2019
    Advancing International and Foreign Language Education Act This bill reauthorizes through FY2025 and otherwise revises international education programs. These programs provide grants to institutions of higher education and related entities to (1) enhance instruction in international and foreign language studies, and (2) promote international business skills and education. First, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international and foreign language studies. Specifically, it extends (1) the Graduate and Undergraduate Language and Area Centers and Programs, which include the National Resource Centers program; (2) the Language Resource Centers; (3) the Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Language Programs; and (4) the American Overseas Research Centers. Next, the bill revises the Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowships program to permit graduate students to receive a stipend for the beginning, intermediate, or advanced study of a foreign language related to the student's area of specialization. Further, the bill replaces the existing Technological Innovation and Cooperation for Foreign Information Access program with an international research and innovation program. Additionally, the bill reauthorizes programs related to international business skills and education. Specifically, it reauthorizes the Centers for International Business Education program. It also reauthorizes the Education and Training program and otherwise makes changes to the program, including by (1) renaming the program; and (2) mandating certain program activities, such as the incorporation of specified programs and studies into professional education and technical training curricula. Finally, the bill permits the Department of Education to prioritize grant applications from minority-serving institutions.
  • Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2019

    HR #4406 | Last Action: 10/21/2019
    Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2019 This bill reauthorizes the Small Business Development Center Program through FY2023 and otherwise revises the program. Specifically, the bill (1) generally prohibits entities other than institutions of higher education from receiving grants under the program; (2) allows centers to collect fees related to partnerships or sponsorships; (3) authorizes centers to market their services directly to small businesses; and (4) modifies or establishes provisions related to program funding, operations, data collection, and reporting.
  • Reaching America's Rural Minority Businesses Act of 2020

    S #4873 | Last Action: 10/26/2020
    Reaching America's Rural Minority Businesses Act of 2020 This bill authorizes the Minority Business Development Agency to establish rural business centers at historically Black colleges and universities to assist rural minority businesses with issues such as broadband adoption, advanced manufacturing, and entrepreneurship.
  • COVID–19 RELIEF for Small Businesses Act of 2020

    S #3554 | Last Action: 3/20/2020
    COVID-19 Recovery by Enhancing Loan, Investment, and Education Funds for Small Businesses Act of 2020 or the COVID-19 RELIEF for Small Businesses Act of 2020 This bill establishes measures to provide assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019). Specifically, the Small Business Administration (SBA) must (1) provide economic injury grants for certain small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury resulting from COVID-19; (2) establish a program to make direct loans to small businesses, up to 50% of which may be forgiven; and (3) pay the principal, interest, and associated fees on certain SBA loans, including microloans, for a six-month period. The bill also * temporarily increases guarantee amounts and loan sizes for certain SBA loans, temporarily waives or reduces certain fees on SBA loans, and permanently waives the guarantee fee on SBA loans for veterans; * revises the Microloan Program to increase available funds, extend repayment terms, and waive certain requirements for technical assistance grants; * provides additional funding for small business economic development programs; * revises and makes permanent the SBA's Intermediary Lending Program, the Community Advantage Loan Program, the Small Business Innovation Research Program, and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program; * establishes the Innovation Centers Program whereby the SBA shall enter into cooperative agreements with certain entities to spur innovation and economic growth in underserved and rural communities; and * establishes the Office of Emerging Markets to oversee the planning, coordination, and implementation of SBA efforts to enhance the economic well-being of small businesses in emerging markets. The federal government must grant certain flexibilities (e.g., additional performance time) to small business federal contractors and expedite the contract award process.
  • Support Small Business R & D Act of 2020

    S #3291 | Last Action: 2/13/2020
    Support Small Business R & D Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide resources to small businesses relating to available federal income tax credits. Specifically, the bill requires the SBA, in consultation with the Internal Revenue Service, to provide and make available, both in-person and online, training and information about federal income tax credits that benefit small businesses and startups. This training and information shall have a particular focus on credits for research and experimentation. In addition, the bill requires small business development centers to provide such training and information as part of the services they render to small businesses and startups.
  • Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2019

    HR #5348 | Last Action: 12/6/2019
    Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2019 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to establish the Innovation Voucher Grant Program to aid small businesses in carrying out research, development, or commercialization of new or innovative products and services.
  • Protecting Reopening Businesses Recovering from COVID–19 Act

    S #3915 | Last Action: 6/8/2020
    Protecting Reopening Businesses Recovering from COVID-19 Act This bill exempts businesses and certain medical entities from liability for damages arising from or relating to an individual contracting COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Specifically, this exemption applies to businesses, including nonprofit organizations and educational institutions, and medical entities that provide health care services related to COVID-19. Such entities are exempt from liability if they operate consistent with state or federal guidelines or requirements related to reopening and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and any other federal or state agency to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. However, this prohibition does not apply to acts that constitute gross negligence or actions brought by a government entity in a regulatory, supervisory, or enforcement capacity.
  • Spurring Small Business Innovation Act

    S #2150 | Last Action: 7/17/2019
    Spurring Small Business Innovation Act This bill establishes the Regional High-Growth Collaborative Pilot Program to provide specialized resources for starting and scaling small businesses in high-growth industries. The program shall be a five-year, two-phase program to establish one regional high-growth collaborative in each of the 10 regions of the Small Business Administration. Each collaborative shall establish connections between small businesses in technology industries and other entities to provide small businesses with assistance and training related to technology and innovation. Following the program's expiration, the Government Accountability Office shall report on the program's impact and effectiveness.
  • Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2020

    S #3289 | Last Action: 2/13/2020
    Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2020 This bill requires the Small Business Administration to establish the Innovation Voucher Grant Program to aid small businesses in carrying out research, development, or commercialization of new or innovative products and services.