Bill > HB5651

This bill establishes the West Virginia Microbusiness Support Program to aid small businesses, defined as entities with nine or fewer employees, by improving their access to technical assistance, providing small-dollar capital alongside coaching, expediting payments on state contracts, and reducing administrative burdens. The program will be managed by the Division of Economic Development in partnership with "qualified intermediaries" such as the Small Business Development Center or community-based non-profits, with a focus on rural areas, veteran-owned businesses, and those lacking traditional financing. A dedicated "West Virginia Microbusiness Support Fund" will be created to finance grants for training and coaching, micro-grants for business expenses, and support for microloans. Additionally, the bill mandates faster payment (within 15 days) for "certified microbusiness vendors" – microbusinesses registered with the state – on state contracts, and directs the Division of Purchasing to consider setting aside certain purchases for these vendors. Agencies proposing new rules that would cost small businesses money must also provide plain-language compliance guides and potentially delay the effective date for microbusinesses.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5651&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill