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HR 9810

Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by LaMonica McIver and 1 co-sponsor

The bill strengthens SBDCs to expand free counseling, training, and technical assistance for small businesses, especially underserved ones, to boost growth and job creation.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 9810

Overview

HR 9810, the Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2026, is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress. Its reported action history indicates referral to the House Committee on Small Business. The bill has two named co-sponsors: Nydia Velázquez and LaMonica McIver. As of the provided information, no floor action or final passage is documented.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to improve and strengthen the national network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
  • It seeks to enhance support for small businesses by expanding access to counseling, training, and technical assistance, with a focus on helping small firms plan, finance, and grow their operations.
  • By upgrading capacity and resources, the bill intends to increase the effectiveness and reach of SBDCs, particularly for underserved entrepreneurs and regions with limited access to business development services.

Key provisions and changes (as typically included in SBDCs-related legislation)

Note: Specific text of HR 9810 is not provided here; summaries below reflect common elements found in SBDC improvement proposals. If enacted, the bill could include provisions such as:
- Funding enhancements: Increased federal or discretionary appropriations to SBDCs, including potential new grant programs or competitive allocations to states.
- Program expansion: Rules to broaden the scope of counseling and training services, including advanced manufacturing, export readiness, technology adoption, digital commerce, and business succession planning.
- Access and inclusivity: Initiatives to extend services to rural, minority- and women-owned businesses, veterans, and entrepreneurs in distressed or high-unemployment areas.
- Performance and accountability: Establishment or refinement of performance metrics, reporting requirements, and outcomes tracking to measure job creation, revenue growth, and small-business survival.
- Collaboration and capacity building: Encouragement of partnerships with colleges, universities, economic development organizations, lenders, and industry groups to bolster service delivery and funnel financing or mentorship opportunities.
- Technical assistance enhancements: Emphasis on scalable training platforms, including online or hybrid formats, and expanded hours or outreach events to increase reach.

Who would be affected

  • Small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs seeking free or low-cost counseling, business planning assistance, market research, and financing guidance.
  • SBDCs and their staff, as the implementing bodies delivering services.
  • State and local economic development agencies that administer or coordinate SBDC networks.
  • Partners and stakeholders in the small-business ecosystem (lenders, trade associations, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations) that collaborate with SBDCs.
  • Potential beneficiaries in underserved communities who would gain improved access to development services and resources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Small Business on July 21, 2026.
  • Legislative workflow: After committee consideration (markup, hearings, amendments), the bill would need to pass the House and then await action in the Senate (or proceed through conference if there are differences) before potential presidential signature.
  • Implementation timing: If enacted, implementation would depend on appropriations and administrative rulemaking. Any new funding or program changes typically become available in the fiscal year following enactment, subject to appropriations and grant cycles.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Positive impacts could include expanded reach and improved outcomes for small businesses, particularly in underserved communities.
  • The effectiveness will depend on funding levels, the design of administration, and the ability to coordinate with existing federal and state support structures.
  • Stakeholders may seek clear metrics and accountability to ensure funds translate into measurable job creation, business growth, and long-term viability.

If you can provide the full legislative text or summary from the bill’s official docket, I can refine this summary with exact provisions, dollar amounts, and specific program changes.

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

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