Bill > S1608

This bill establishes a new annual awards program through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to recognize state and local governments that make it easier for entrepreneurs to start new businesses. The SBA will provide three separate awards each year: one for communities with over 400,000 residents, one for communities between 100,000 and 400,000 residents, and one for communities under 100,000 residents. To be considered for an award, governments must submit an application demonstrating innovative ways they have simplified business formation, such as reducing paperwork, creating user-friendly online portals, eliminating redundant requirements across jurisdictions, and making administrative procedures more efficient. The goal is to encourage local governments to remove barriers that make it difficult for small businesses to get started, ultimately supporting entrepreneurship and economic growth at the community level. The bill amends the Small Business Act to create this new recognition program and provides a framework for how the SBA will evaluate and select award recipients.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1608/all-info