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Empower Entrepreneurs Through Counseling

BACKGROUND:
The SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development oversees the SBA’s resource partners and counseling programs which can serve as a valuable tool to small businesses. The four core counseling and training Entrepreneurial Development (ED) programs are the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), Women’s Business Centers (WBCs), and Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs). Through cooperative agreements, the SBA programs provide entrepreneurs with free or low-cost training, mentorship, and counseling on marketing, finance, technology, exports, human resources, emerging markets, and more. 

GOALS:
- Increase transparency and restore integrity in the SBA’s counseling programs
- Expand outreach to small businesses
- Ensure the SBA’s resource partners support small businesses in navigating economic headwinds

SOLUTION:
IMPROVE the SBA Act, Title III — Small Business Administration Counseling Programs
This section increases testimony and reporting requirements for the SBA’s counseling programs, sets marketing standards for resource partners, and expands and targets outreach to rural small businesses, the career and technical education community, opportunity zones, and businesses with 20 or fewer employees. Additionally, this section directs the SBA’s resource partners to assist small businesses in navigating supply chain disruptions, finding labor, and improving cybersecurity. 

ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION AND ENGAGEMENT:
SCORE for Small Business Act of 2022 | January 20, 2022
H.R. 6450 reauthorizes the SCORE program and increases reporting requirements. Introduced by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) | Original House Cosponsors: Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN)

Small Business Development Center Cyber Training Act of 2021 | July 19, 2021
H.R. 4515 requires SBDCs to provide cybersecurity planning assistance to small businesses. Introduced by Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) | Original House Cosponsors: Reps. Dwight Evans (D-PA); Steve Chabot (R-OH); Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA)

Supporting Small Business and Career and Technical Education Act of 2021 | May 20, 2021
H.R. 3366 requires Small Business Development Centers and Women's Business Centers to assist small businesses in hiring graduates from career and technical education programs and graduates of such programs that are interested in starting small businesses. Introduced by Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) | Original House Cosponsors: Rep. Marie Newman (D-IL)

Letter to SBA Associate Administrator Madrid Regarding the Implementation and Oversight of the SBA’s Grant Programs | February 17, 2022
House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) sent a letter to SBA Associate Administrator Mark Madrid inquiring about the SBA’s ability to effectively manage its grant programs.

Letter to SBA Administrator Guzman Requesting Information on the Community Navigator Program | October 15, 2021
House Committee on Small Business Ranking Member Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) sent a letter to SBA Administrator Guzman expressing concern with the Community Navigator Pilot Program’s implementation and oversight.