Golden, Hagedorn Introduce Bill to Expand and Reauthorize Small Business Development Center Program

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) announced today the introduction of bipartisan legislation to build on the success of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program throughout the country. 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 do more to build awareness of their programs and services. 

“I’ve met so many small business owners in Maine who’ve told me Small

Business Development Centers were key to getting their business off the ground,” said Golden. “From Fort Kent to Machias to South Paris, SBDCs are in communities across our state helping family businesses develop business plans, secure financing, and plan their growth. Our bipartisan bill will help bring this program to more Mainer and help set them up to grow and create new jobs in their communities.”

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.

“We are glad Congressman Golden is continuing his mission to support the SBDC program and bring our services to more Maine small businesses,” said SBDC Maine Director Mark Delisle. “In 2021, we served nearly 3,000 business owners and entrepreneurs trying to start, grow or sustain a business. We are hoping to build on that success in 2022 to bring our services to more small businesses across the state and really broaden our impact.” 

This legislation builds on similar legislation that Golden passed through the House Small Business Committee and the full House in 2019. 

A copy of the bill can be found here.