Reps. Scholten, Pettersen Introduce Main Street BRIDGE Act

WASHINGTON, DC - This month, U.S. Representatives Hillary Scholten (D-MI-03) and Brittany Pettersen (D-CO-07) introduced the Main Street Business Resource Integration and Development for Growth and Equity Act (Main Street BRIDGE Act). The legislation would strengthen collaboration between federal agencies to help disadvantaged small businesses access the technical assistance and additional tools they need to grow and thrive.

"Small businesses should not have to jump through bureaucratic hoops to access the resources meant to help them grow," said Rep. Scholten. "Right now, far too many small business owners, especially those belonging to historically underserved groups, face unnecessary barriers and duplicative processes when trying to access technical assistance through federal programs. Our Main Street BRIDGE Act would strengthen coordination between agencies so local businesses can more easily connect with the tools, guidance, and support they need to succeed. When we make government more efficient and accessible, we create stronger Main Streets, stronger local economies, and better opportunities for working families."

"Small businesses are the backbone of our community and power our local economies. But outdated regulations and complicated hurdles can stand in the way of these businesses," said Rep. Pettersen. "The Main Street BRIDGE Act is about breaking down those barriers and ensuring that federal agencies are working together. By improving how we deliver assistance, we can better support business owners - especially entrepreneurs from underserved groups - on the path to success, helping them secure what they need to thrive long-term. I'm proud to join Congresswoman Scholten in this effort to make the federal government a true partner for our small business leaders."

Specifically, the bill would direct the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to enhance their collaboration in providing technical assistance to small businesses through MBDA Business Centers and Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). MBDA Business Centers and SBDCs provide a range of services to small businesses, from helping them find new markets to building a stronger business plan. This bill ensures these services aren't provided to businesses in a vacuum, encouraging both entities to help entrepreneurs utilize every resource available to them between Business Centers and SBDCs. The MBDA and SBA would also then be required to submit a report to Congress with information on the results of this collaboration.

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