Bill > HR4549

This bill enhances the Office of Rural Affairs within the Small Business Administration (SBA) by clarifying and expanding its responsibilities. The bill requires the office to be led by an Assistant Administrator who has specific qualifications related to rural affairs and small business development. The new provisions mandate that the office conduct more proactive outreach, including hosting webinars and events across different U.S. regions for rural small businesses, and inviting representatives from various agencies and resource partners to participate. The bill also introduces a mandatory annual reporting requirement, where the SBA must submit a comprehensive report to congressional committees detailing the office's activities, operational budget, number of employees, webinar and outreach event details, analysis of lending programs serving rural small businesses, and insights gathered from these events. Additionally, the bill provides clear definitions for key terms like "resource partners" (which include small business development centers, women's business centers, SCORE chapters, and Veteran Business Outreach Centers) and "rural small business concern". The overall aim is to strengthen support and visibility for small businesses in rural areas by making the Office of Rural Affairs more robust and accountable.

Business and Industry

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4549/all-info