Sponsors (5)
The bill directs coordinated federal support to boost entrepreneurship in the Appalachian and Delta regions and improve program coordination and transparency, but does so with modest administrative costs, added workload for agency staff, and exclusion of businesses outside the targeted regions.
Rural small-business owners in the Appalachian and Delta regions would receive coordinated federal support and resources to expand entrepreneurship and access assistance.
State, local, and federal agencies can pool funds via reimbursable agreements, enabling more effective use of existing programs and potentially increasing service delivery without immediate new authorizations.
Residents of rural communities could see more targeted programs and services because agencies must report the number assisted and opportunities to expand assistance to Congress within two years, improving transparency and prospects for program expansion.
Taxpayers may face additional administrative costs to implement memoranda of understanding and interagency coordination without a specified funding source.
Reporting and coordination requirements could increase workload for SBA, ARC, and DRA staff, potentially diverting staff time from direct services during implementation.
Smaller or rural businesses outside the Appalachian and Delta regions would not benefit from these region-specific supports and could be left without comparable federal assistance.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires SBA, ARC, and DRA to formalize coordination within 120 days to expand entrepreneurship support in Appalachian and Delta regions and report to Congress within two years.
Official title: To require the Small Business Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority to enter into an agreement to carry out activities to expand rural entrepreneurship, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 8, 2025 by Julia Letlow · Last progress April 8, 2025
Requires the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) to enter into one or more memoranda of understanding or agreements within 120 days to coordinate efforts to expand rural entrepreneurship and support covered small businesses in the Appalachian and Delta regions. The agencies may use reimbursable agreements and collaborate with other federal entities, and must submit a joint report to Congress within two years summarizing actions, assistance provided, opportunities to expand help, and plans for continued cooperation.