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EventID=115212 Throughout the 117th Congress, the Small Business Administration (SBA) played an unprecedented role as the primary agency providing economic relief to small businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. While the economic relief programs were designed to soften the financial impact of the pandemic, they did not come without challenges to the agency. Over the course of the past two years, the Administration worked to improve the implementation of these programs, as well a...

Small firms are among the hardest hit by an ongoing shortage in skilled workers that predates the pandemic. In response, firms are exploring new ways to attract and retain a steady pipeline of workers. One strategy is through direct investment in workforce development, where businesses can help train workers by partnering with educational institutions to attract young people and improve their long-term viability. This hearing will explore innovative workforce development strategies targeted at y...

EventID=115155 The Committee on Small Business will hold a hybrid markup to consider H. Res. 1298 and to amend the Small Business Act. The markup will be held at 10:00 A.M. (ET) on Wednesday, September 21, 2022, in Room 2360 of the Rayburn House Office Building and on Zoom. Members who wish to participate remotely may do so via Zoom, information to be provided separately. To view a livestream of the markup, click here. The items that will be marked up include: • H. Res. 1298, “Of inquiry directi...

EventID=115127 The hearing will review the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Office of International Trade (OIT). OIT is responsible for supporting small business international trade development and works in cooperation with other federal agencies, public-, and private-sector groups to encourage and assist small businesses looking to export. The flagship program for the Office is the State Trade Enhancement Program (STEP), which provides grants to states and territories to directly support s...

EventID=115107 Small firms are among the hardest hit by an ongoing shortage in skilled workers that predates the pandemic. In response, firms are exploring new ways to attract and retain a steady pipeline of workers. One strategy is through direct investment in workforce development, where businesses can help train workers by partnering with educational institutions to attract young people and improve their long-term viability. This hearing will explore innovative workforce development strategie...

EventID=115093 Many of today’s consumer electronics and automobiles have become increasingly more difficult to fix or maintain. Oftentimes, the diagnostic software and component parts necessary for repairs are not easily accessible. This may be a result of repair restrictions created by the manufacturers of these items. Not only does this result in massive amounts of electronic waste, but it inhibits opportunities for independent businesses to repair items, increases costs on consumers and small...

EventID=115045 The hearing will examine the SBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program, which has been assisting small businesses in obtaining bonds and winning contracts for more than 50 years. Taking into account the heightened role it will play as part of rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure, Members will have the opportunity to learn how it serves small businesses and explore potential ways to improve and modernize the Program.

EventID=115017 A strong relationship is necessary between the Small Business Administration (SBA) and its resource partners to ensure important information is flowing from the agency to small firms all over the country. The SBA’s district offices are a critical component in this flow of information as they are the representatives tasked with working with small firms and resource partners in local communities. During this hearing, the Committee will review the relationship between the district of...

EventID=115008 The hearing will review the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 authorized the SBA to establish a threeyear State Trade and Export Promotion pilot grant initiative to increase the number and value of small business exports. Later, through the Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, the SBA was directed to formerly establish the State Trade Enhancement Program (STEP) to provide grants to state...

EventID=114987 The hearing will focus on the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program that is administered and overseen by the Small Business Administration. The hearing will examine the program considering the changes made in law and in regulations since 2018. Members will also have an opportunity to learn from program participants about how the program is working, its challenges and benefits, and what additional reforms are needed.

EventID=114979 The hearing will allow Members to examine the effect of innovations in financial technology (“Fintech”) and online lending on small businesses. Members will hear from lenders, industry advocates, and academics regarding the policy issues Congress faces in assuring a fair but efficient small business credit market among non-bank, online lenders.

EventID=114935 The hearing will allow members to learn more about the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development (GCBD), which works to create an environment that fosters the maximum participation by small businesses in the federal procurement space. The purpose of the hearing is to examine GCBD’s administration of SBA’s business development and contracting programs, progress towards implementing key legislation, and the ongoing efforts to address administrative challenges.

EventID=114883 The hearing will examine governmentwide contracts, including the Best-In-Class (BICs) contracts that originate from the Category Management initiative, and assess their impact on the federal small business base. Members will have the opportunity to explore potential solutions to reduce the barriers to entry for small businesses as it pertains to such contracts.

EventID=114855 Veterans often gain skills such as discipline, work ethic, and leadership throughout their military service that naturally translate to successful entrepreneurship and small business ownership. However, transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges for aspiring entrepreneurs. The purpose of the hearing will be to discuss the role of veteran entrepreneurs in the economy and how the Small Business Administration (SBA) supports their transition to ci...