WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1185

Economic and Community Development - As introduced, enacts the "Small Business Growth and Empowerment Act"; authorizes business tax credits for small businesses hiring locally or providing workforce training; creates grants for minority-owned and women-owned businesses in underserved areas. - Amends TCA Title 4, Chapter 3, Part 7 and Title 67, Chapter 4.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Raumesh Akbari

Tennessee bill provides tax credits and grants to small businesses for local hiring and workforce training, targeting minority and women-owned enterprises in underserved areas.

Assigned to General Subcommittee of Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
#economicandcommunitydevelopment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1185

Legislative bill overview

SB 1185 establishes the "Small Business Growth and Empowerment Act," which provides tax credits to small businesses that hire locally or invest in workforce training programs. The bill also creates grant programs specifically targeting minority-owned and women-owned businesses operating in economically underserved areas of Tennessee.

Why is this important

Small businesses are significant job creators in most economies, and targeted incentives can influence hiring and training decisions. The bill addresses documented disparities in business access and capital for minority and women entrepreneurs, which has measurable effects on wealth-building and economic participation in underrepresented communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Tax credit costs and state revenue impact: Critics may argue the tax credits reduce state revenue without guaranteed return on investment, or question whether incentives actually change business behavior versus rewarding decisions companies would make anyway
  • Definition and eligibility scope: Disputes may arise over how "small business," "locally hired," "underserved areas," and "minority/women-owned" are defined, potentially affecting which businesses qualify and creating administrative complexity
  • Grant program sustainability: Questions about long-term funding availability, whether grants create dependency, how recipients are selected fairly, and whether grants go to viable businesses with genuine growth potential

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.