Summary

Expands two Small Business Administration counseling programs to help small firms connect with career and technical education (CTE) programs. It adds a formal definition of “career and technical education” to the Small Business Act, aligned with the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. Small Business Development Centers must provide information and make connections between small businesses and CTE programs. Women’s Business Centers must do the same for small businesses owned and controlled by women. The goal is to link employers with training pipelines and skilled workers. No new funding or tax changes are included.

Key Points

• Adds a formal definition of “career and technical education” to the Small Business Act tied to the Perkins Act.
• Requires SBDCs to connect small businesses with CTE programs and provide related information.
• Requires WBCs to do the same for women‑owned and controlled small businesses.
• Aims to improve employer access to skilled workers and training pipelines.
• No new appropriations or tax changes are included.
• Applies nationwide through existing SBA counseling networks.
• Likely implemented via SBA guidance and center workplans under current funding.

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