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Congressman Evans Bill to Strengthen Small Business Development Centers Becomes One Step Closer to Becoming Law

May 8, 2018

Today, Congressman Dwight Evans (Philadelphia and Montgomery County) joined with his colleagues on the House Floor to vote in strong support of H.R. 1702, the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Improvement Act of 2017.

In March of 2017, Congressman Evans joined with Congressman Rod Blum (R-IA) to introduce the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Improvements Act of 2017; a bipartisan bill that amends the Small Business Act to improve the SBDC program nationwide. The bill specifically amends the Small Business Act to provide a variety of services including: grants, financial assistance, loans, export assistance, subcontracting opportunities on federal contracts to specific business owners, and other critical services to our small businesses.

"Access to capital is key for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the city of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and our neighborhoods nationwide. Our Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) play a crucial role in helping to bridge the gap to provide small businesses with the financing they rely on to get their businesses off the ground and keep them up and running. I have used my strategic role as Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee, Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access to look for ways to level the playing field and ensure everyone in our neighborhoods is afforded the same opportunities and chance to gain capital and grow wealth in their business. Our small business community depends on essential resources that our SBDCs provide and I am proud to see the House vote on my bill which will allow this mutually beneficial relationship between our small businesses and SBDCs to continue to grow, thrive and prosper. When we level the playing field and remove barriers to entry we can and will increase productivity and spur economic growth in each and every corner of our neighborhoods," Congressman Evans said.

"Whether in urban centers like New York City and Philadelphia or rural corners of the Midwest, having a reliable one-stop-shop for technical assistance is key for the aspiring small business owner," said Rep. Nydia Velázquez. "I commend Rep. Evans for his tireless dedication to improving the SBDC program and ensuring that hands-on assistance is accessible and affordable for those who need it most." Rep. Velazquez is the Ranking Member of the Small Business Committee.

"I have known for a long-time the value of small business development centers. When I was first elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives I worked closely with the Wharton Small Business Development Center to develop the blueprint to revitalize the Ogontz Avenue business corridor. I'm honored to be a member of Congress and have the opportunity to continue to champion and support small businesses," said Congressman Evans.

The measures approved by the House must now be considered on the floor of the US Senate.

 

 

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Media Contact: Becca Brukman, Becca.Brukman@mail.house.gov