Fighting For Small Businesses
"I know how important small businesses are to the health of the economy and to the communities that they serve. That's why I'm fighting to strengthen and improve small businesses and provide opportunities for them to compete on a level playing field."
-Senator Barbara A. Mikulski
-Senator Barbara A. Mikulski
Helping Small Businesses Succeed
Senator Mikulski works hard to provide opportunities for small businesses:
- Fought for reducing fees on 7(a) and 504 loans to make them more affordable for small business.
- Supported legislation that doubled the percentage that Departments and Agencies must set aside for Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR).
- Worked to double the amount of research dollars available to small high-tech businesses.
- Championed increase in funding for Manufacturing Extension Program, helping small manufacturing businesses gain new technology.
- Supported bill to make sure SBA loan assistance would go to small businesses impacted by terrorist attacks.
Fighting for Equal Opportunity
Senator Mikulski fights hard to help small and minority- owned businesses:
- Supports 8(a) program which helps disadvantaged and minority businesses compete for federal contracting dollars.
- Fighting to protect and fund Small Business Development Centers which offer a one-stop shop for assistance and guidance for small businesses.
- Supporting increased funding for Minority Business Development Agency for FY'04 of $28.7 Million.
Fighting to Level the Playing Field
Senator Mikulski fights to help small businesses compete:
- Leading the fight for Small Business Health Care Insurance, which gives businesses a 50% tax credit for providing their employees with health insurance.
- Supports Broadband Tax Credit that provides a 20% tax credit to small businesses that invest in broadband high-speed Internet infrastructure.
- Fighting to help small businesses with the cost of developing new technology through research and experimentation tax credit.
- Supports tax credits for start-up costs and employer contributions to small business pension programs.
- Working for tax incentives for small businesses investing in empowerment zones.