On the recordJuly 30, 2020
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of an amendment I offered alongside Representatives Cisneros, Larsen, and Young. This amendment would increase funding to Small Business Development Centers by $5 million by fiscal year 2021. SBDCs provide a critical resource to small business owners and entrepreneurs who use the centers for free consulting and at-cost trainings. SBDCs have a return on investment of over two to one, and last year they helped generate $7 billion in new sales. It will be even more valuable as our small businesses recover from this pandemic. As a Member of the House Small Business Committee, I have seen firsthand how effective SBDCs can be for our Nation's economic engine. Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen our support for small business programs. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on this amendment and support Main Streets across America.
