House Passes Golden Bill to Expand and Reauthorize Small Business Development Center Program

WASHINGTON — Last night, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Jared Golden’s (ME-02) bipartisan legislation to help more small businesses across the country launch, grow, and retain workers through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. The Small Business Development Centers Improvement Act of 2022 would help strengthen the SBDC network — including the 22 SBDCs located throughout Maine — by authorizing an increase of $40 million in annual funding for the program over the next four years and allowing SBDCs to proactively market their programs and services. 

“Small Business Development Centers have been a crucial resource for thousands and thousands of small business owners and entrepreneurs here in Maine,” said Golden. “Coming from a small business family, I know how important it can be to have access to the kinds of free services SBDCs provide. This bipartisan bill will bring SBDC training, counseling, and other services to more businesses across the state and I am grateful to my colleagues in both parties for coming together to pass this important legislation.”

The largest Resource Partner within the Small Business Administration’s entrepreneurial development ecosystem, SBDCs help small businesses get off the ground and expand their capacity through low- or no-cost business training and advising in areas like business plan development, marketing and sales, e-commerce, and small business strategic planning. Maine has a lead SBDC located at the University of Southern Maine, which operates eleven outreach locations in Maine’s Second District.

“Reauthorizing and strengthening the SBDC program, as Congressman Golden’s bill does, is critical to providing support for new and existing small businesses across Maine and the country,” said Maine SBDC State Director Mark Delisle. “Our advisors helped almost 3,000 Mainers start, grow, or pivot their small businesses last year and created or saved nearly 1,000 jobs, but this legislation will allow us to have an even greater impact. We thank Congressman Golden for his work on behalf of SBDCs and Maine’s small businesses.”

A copy of the bill can be found here. 

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