This bill would require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to set up a program to help military spouses form, run, and grow small businesses. The SBA could create a new program or extend an existing one if it is adapted for military spouses. The program must include remotely accessible online services. Help would include explaining business formation and operation rules, assistance with relocating a business, training to build necessary skills, and help that addresses challenges from deployments, time away from work, and frequent long-term moves. The SBA would provide mentorship through partnerships and cooperative agreements with supporting organizations. The Administrator must conduct a survey, with nonprofit and other stakeholders, to identify barriers military spouses face (including access to capital, education, mentoring, and training) and must send a report on the survey results to the Senate and House small business committees within 180 days of enactment. The SBA must use the survey results when running the program and create outreach so the program becomes well-known. The Administrator may consult with the Secretary of Defense if needed.
If you are a military spouse, the SBA program would offer online tools, training, and mentorship to help you start or grow a small business. The program aims to help with issues that come from deployments, gaps in employment, and frequent relocations. The SBA will study the barriers you face and report those results to Congress within 180 days. The agency will also run outreach so more military spouses can learn about the services.
If you are not a military spouse, the bill does not change services for others unless the SBA extends an existing program to include military spouse-focused features.
No publicly available information.
Supporters would say the bill creates targeted help for military spouses who want to start or grow small businesses. The bill focuses on online access, tailored training, and mentorship to address unique challenges such as deployments, workforce absences, and frequent relocations. It also requires a survey and report so the SBA can design services based on military spouses' real needs.
No publicly available information.