Small Business News

Updates on my work, constituent services, and other important small business news:

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Special Employer Incentives (SEI) program offers incentives to employers who hire veterans

Employers can receive reimbursement, VA-provided tools, and VA support.  Veterans approved to participate in the SEI program are hired by participating employers, and employment is expected to continue following successful completion of the program.

U.S. Labor Department announces availability of $35 million in grants to implement or improve Self-Employment Assistance programs

This announcement is the latest in a series of innovate reforms to the Unemployment Insurance program made possible through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.

Cicilline Amendment to Promote Innovation and Job Growth Adopted by Full House

Congressman Cicilline introduced an amendment to raise the standing of the Regional Innovation Program as the appropriations process moves forward, helping build additional momentum and support for this initiative in the House of Representatives.

Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans associated with Secretary of Agriculture declaration Due to Tropical Storm Irene is June 5

June 5 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes.

Deadline to Apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans in Rhode Island Due to Tropical Storm Irene is May 22

May 22 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans available in Bristol, Newport and Providence counties as a result of excessive rain and high winds associated with Tropical Storm Irene that occurred on August 28-31, 2011.

Cicilline Urges House Budget Committee to Support Education, Small Business, and Middle Class

Congressman Cicilline stressed the importance of a comprehensive plan to put the American economy back on the right track in his testimony before the House Committee on the Budget.

Cicilline Takes Stand for American Manufacturers

Congressman Cicilline helped pass reforms to benefit American exporters during a markup session in the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Export Promotion Reform Act, H.R. 4041, would increase the amount of American-made goods and services that are exported to other countries – helping to grow jobs in American exporting firms.

Cicilline Champions Bipartisan Legislation to Protect American Industry

While countries like China continue to cheat in trade and gain an unfair advantage in the marketplace, this bipartisan legislation will help level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers and companies that have been harmed by unfairly subsidized imports.

Republican-Led House Stonewalls Again on Jobs, Votes Down Cicilline Amendment

With unemployment continuing to hover at 10.8% in Rhode Island, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives rejected an amendment offered by Congressman Cicilline that would have required a jobs impact analysis be performed on legislation that passes out of a House committee.

Following State of the Union, Cicilline Calls on Speaker Boehner to Expedite Consideration of Make it in America Block Grant Program Act and Offshoring Prevention Act

Congressman Cicilline's two bills currently pending in the House of Representatives would promote the goals outlined by President Obama by providing new resources to maufacturers and closing loopholes that cut taxes for companies that move jobs overseas.

Congressman David Cicilline Brings SBA Administrator Karen G. Mills to Rhode Island

At the invitation of Congressman David Cicilline, Karen G. Mills, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), participated in a series of events to highlight federal resources and support available for small business owners in Rhode Island.

Small Business Legislation with Cicilline Amendment Signed into Law

U.S. Congress passed legislation that included an amendment offered by freshman Congressman Cicilline to enhance U.S. manufacturing activities through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs.

Cicilline Calls on Rhode Islanders to Support Second Annual “Small Business Saturday”

As Americans prepare for the busiest days of the holiday shopping season, Congressman Cicilline encouraged Rhode Islanders to support the second annual "Small Business Saturday" by patronizing small businesses in their local communities.

Cicilline Attends White House Conference With Rhode Island "Champion of Change"

Congressman Cicilline, along with Wayne Celia, CEO of Diversified Distribution in Woonsocket, attended the “Make it in America Champions of Change Roundtable” hosted by the White House.

Cicilline Asks SBA Administrator Mills About Opportunities for Rhode Island with the Impact Investment and Early Stage Innovation Funds

At the October 26, 2011, House Small Business Committee hearing, Congressman Cicilline asked SBA Administrator Karen Mills about how the Impact Innovation Fund and the Early Stage Innovation Fund, both part of the Administration's Startup America Initiative, can be utilized to benefit small businesses in Rhode Island.

Cicilline Welcomes U.S. Treasurer to Rhode Island for Small Business Roundtable and Tours of Local Businesses

Congressman Cicilline and Treasurer Rios conducted a roundtable discussion with Chamber of Commerce representatives, local small business owners, and members of his Latino Advisory Committee. Treasurer Rios’ visit provided local business leaders with a special opportunity to showcase the good work of Rhode Island businesses and to share their experiences with a prominent member of the Obama administration. In response, Treasurer Rios discussed some of the federal government’s approaches to assisting small businesses.

Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Briefing on Veteran Owned Small Businesses

The Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs held a briefing on the Center for Veterans Enterprise and the process in which Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB/SDVOSB) verify their Veteran status for inclusion in the VIP database.

Cicilline and U.S. Small Business Administration Applaud North Smithfield Small Business

On a recent tour of Wide World of Indoor Sports, Congressman Cicilline and SBA Regional Administrator Hulit congratulated owners Stephen Sangermano and Dan Faucet on their success using SBA loans to build the North Smithfield facility, create jobs, and help strengthen the Rhode Island economy.

Governor Chafee, Members of Rhode Island’s Congressional Delegation and Community Leaders Announce $13.1 Million in Critical New Investment Capital for Urban Communities, Small Businesses, Early-Stage Technology Companies and Entrepreneurs

Rhode Island has been awarded $13.1 million in federal funds to help finance small businesses. These funds will be distributed through the U.S. Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which was established by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. I am excited about this excellent opportunity for Rhode Island small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and create quality jobs in the state.

Tropical Storm Irene Disaster Declaration

Rhode Island was declared as a disaster zone on September 26, 2011, as a result of Tropical Storm Irene. Certain businesses may be eligible to receive disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration.