WASHINGTON, DC – Today the Job Creation through Entrepreneurship Act of 2009 passed in the House of Representatives.  The Act reauthorizes the Entrepreneurial Development programs of the Small Business Administration (SBA).  Some important changes to these programs include increased coordination and redevelopment of programs to better assist entrepreneurs in the current economic climate. 

During his floor statement Ranking Member Sam Graves said, “These programs have not been reauthorized in a comprehensive way in nearly ten years, and given the changes in the economy, it is long overdue.   This week is National Small Business week and it is my hope that this legislation honors our small business owners by giving them the tools they need to succeed.”

The overall bill cosponsored by Rep. Luetkemeyer (R-MO) includes seven titles; five titles were submitted by Republican Members of Congress.  Cosponsor Luetkemeyer’s title calls for greater coordination of entrepreneurial development programs.  The title by Rep. Thompson (R-PA) requires the SBA to develop online courses that will educate entrepreneurs about starting and expanding their businesses.  The title by Rep. Schock (R-IL) creates a joint program between the SBA and institutions of higher education to provide businesses with best practices.   The title by Rep. Fallin (R-OK) includes establishment of new Women’s Business Centers and a revised funding formula.  The title by Rep. Buchanan (R-FL) improves the SCORE program and develops benchmarks for evaluating its performance.  The bill also improves educational and training resources provided by the SBA to veterans, and expands programs of the SBA’s Office of Native American Affairs. 

“As we continue to address the problems plaguing our economy, I am pleased that my first bill assists our small business owners, who are the number one job creators in the country and who will play a pivotal role in restoring our economy,” Rep. Luetkemeyer said. “I am pleased that this bill enjoyed such strong bi-partisan support, and I want thank Congressman Shuler (D-NC) for his hard work in helping us get this bill through the House.”

This legislation passed the House by a vote of 406 to 15.

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