Little Apple Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The House Small Business Committee has unanimously passed the National SBDC Advisory Board Improvement Act, a legislation led by U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann and Jared Golden. This legislation aims to enhance the resources provided by the National Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Advisory Board to small businesses.

The National SBDC Advisory Board would be required to submit an annual report to Congress, suggesting improvements to the outreach, technical assistance, and training offered by SBDCs to small businesses. SBDCs play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurship, providing valuable resources to small businesses, and driving economic development.

Representative Mann highlighted the challenges faced by small businesses, stating, "Between rampant inflation and high-interest rates, a disrupted supply chain, and burdensome federal regulations, our small businesses are struggling." He emphasized the importance of SBDCs in providing the necessary tools and resources for small business owners to establish and sustain their businesses. Rep. Mann expressed his satisfaction with the passage of the legislation in the House Small Business Committee and his anticipation for its swift approval in the House of Representatives.

Representative Golden also emphasized the significance of SBDCs, particularly in Maine, where small businesses make up 99% of all businesses. He stated, "SBDCs have a proven track record of getting small businesses off the ground and keeping them running." Rep. Golden stressed the importance of giving SBDC professionals a means to communicate their valuable insights to Congress.

The National SBDC Advisory Board provides guidance to the Small Business Administration's Associate Administrator for Small Business Development Centers. Comprising nine members, the board includes representatives who are small business owners, academics, or individuals familiar with the challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses.

In addition to the National SBDC Advisory Board Improvement Act, the House Small Business Committee also unanimously passed H.R.7129, the Put America on Commission Act. This act, co-sponsored by Rep. Mann, aims to incentivize the public to come forward with credible tips on evidence of pandemic loan fraud.

Rep. Mann represents the First Congressional District of Kansas, which is home to over 200,000 small businesses. More than 80% of employees in the district are employed by small businesses. The district is served by five SBDCs located in Liberal, Dodge City, Hays, Manhattan, and Lawrence, each in collaboration with a college or university.

The passage of the National SBDC Advisory Board Improvement Act and H.R.7129 demonstrates the commitment of the House Small Business Committee to support small businesses and address the challenges they face. These legislative efforts aim to ensure that SBDCs continue to provide high-quality services and resources to small businesses, thereby fostering their growth and success.