Rep. Delgado Introduces Bipartisan Small Business Bill

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (D-NY-19) and Representative Maria Salazar (R-FL-27), both members of the House Committee on Small Business, introduced the Community Navigator Reporting Act of 2021. This bipartisan legislation requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to issue a report on the efficacy of the newly created Community Navigator Pilot Program.

"The Community Navigator Pilot Program puts dollars directly in local partners' hands to connect struggling small businesses with SBA programs," said Rep. Delgado. "Throughout this pandemic, local governments and nonprofit organizations have proven they are our best resource to help mom and pop shops, family farms, and independent producers survive. This bipartisan legislation recognizes the potential and promise of the Community Navigator Pilot Program and will help ensure this new program is delivering aid to our small businesses."

"Small businesses around the country have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those in historically underserved communities," added Rep. Salazar. "This bill ensures that funding from the program is going directly into communities that need it most and that the Small Business Administration properly implements the Community Navigator Pilot Program. This program has already been a success in South Florida, and I look forward to working together with my colleagues to deliver this relief nationwide."

Rep. Delgado's Small Business Relief Accessibility Act, signed into law as part of the American Rescue Plan, established the Community Navigator Pilot Program. This new grant program allows local governments, chambers of commerce, and other nonprofits to receive funding to increase awareness and participation in the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, SBA debt relief, Shuttered Venue Operators grants, and other SBA programs. The Congressman's bill also created an SBA telephone hotline to help businesses, lenders, and resource partners navigate various assistance options.

The Community Navigator Reporting Act of 2021 requires the SBA to report to Congress on the efficacy of the Community Navigator Pilot Program. The report must include information on:

Where grants have been distributed
Types of businesses receiving grants
Including farms, restaurants, live event venues, manufacturing, etc.
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