- On June 20th, the House passed the SBA Entrepreneurial Development Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2359, which enhances two critical Small Business Administration (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development programs: Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and the Service Corps for Retired Executives (SCORE). Small Business Development Centers serve Americans with the desire to start their own venture, but lack the technical expertise associated with starting and running a successful business, and in the past few decades, have provided assistance to millions of entrepreneurs across the United States. The Service Corps for Retired Executives provides entrepreneurs with free counseling assistance by former executives, helping attract and mentor new entrepreneurs.
Watch debate from the House floor:
Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia Velázquez:
Congressman Joe Sestak:
- On June 18th, the House passed the Veterans’ Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2366, requires that two new Veteran Business Outreach Centers open in 2008 and 2009 to help veterans pursue or resume business activities after they leave service. It also requires a special outreach to veterans through the Department of Labor’s Transition Assistance Program workshops.
- On June 18th, the House passed the Women’s Business Programs Act of 2007, H.R. 2397, provides dedicated funding to open new Women’s Business Centers, sets benchmarks to measure their success, and provides additional assistance for outreach and low-income areas. Women-owned firms are one of the fastest growing sectors, including those owned by women from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
- On June 20th, the House passed the Native American Small Business Development Act of 2007, H.R. 2284, which provides grants to assist entrepreneurs with starting and expanding small businesses within Native American communities and in the urban areas adjacent to reservations.
Small Business Bills
During the week of June 18, 2007, the House passed a package of bills that strengthen the Small Business Administration and help grow America’s businesses and economy. These bills also assist veterans and women, and encourage Native American entrepreneurs.
