Supporting Disabled Entrepreneurs Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
- Committees
- Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Aug 6, 2026
Bottom line
The bill creates a dedicated Coordinator within the SBA to enhance support and collect data for small businesses owned by disabled individuals, aiming to improve their access to federal resources.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Small Business Act to establish a new position within the Small Business Administration (SBA): the Coordinator for Disabled Small Business Concerns. This Coordinator will be responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and improving SBA efforts to support disabled small businesses across capital, counseling, and contracting programs. The bill also mandates public reporting of data on services provided to disabled small businesses and voluntary data collection on disability status through program intake forms.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that establishing a dedicated Coordinator will address a critical gap in support for disabled entrepreneurs, ensuring they receive equitable access to SBA resources and opportunities. This focused approach, coupled with mandated data collection, will lead to more targeted, effective, and accountable programs that can overcome systemic barriers faced by disabled business owners.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that creating a new coordinator position could lead to increased bureaucracy and administrative overhead without guaranteeing tangible improvements. They might argue that existing SBA offices and diversity initiatives should already be capable of integrating and addressing the needs of disabled small business concerns without the need for a separate, potentially redundant, role.
The bill is very short and clearly written, allowing ample time for a thorough evaluation by any interested reader.
Section 2, new Section 49(a) of the Small Business Act
Establishment of Coordinator for Disabled Small Business Concerns
This provision establishes the position of Coordinator for Disabled Small Business Concerns within the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights of the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing and improving the SBA's efforts to support disabled small business concerns across various programs, including access to capital, counseling, and contracting. The Administrator is required to designate an individual with relevant experience within 180 days of the bill's enactment.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated Coordinator is essential to ensure that the unique challenges and needs of disabled entrepreneurs are specifically addressed, leading to more effective and equitable delivery of SBA programs. This focused leadership can drive systemic improvements that broader initiatives might miss.
Critics contend
Opponents might contend that creating a new coordinator could lead to bureaucratic bloat and that existing diversity and inclusion offices within the SBA should already be capable of addressing these concerns without establishing a separate, potentially redundant, position.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between the benefits of a highly focused role to serve a specific demographic and the potential for increased administrative costs or fragmentation of efforts if not well-integrated with existing SBA functions.
Section 2, new Section 49(a)(2)(B) and (C) of the Small Business Act
Duties and Consultations of the Coordinator
This section details the specific duties of the Coordinator, which include creating support strategies, facilitating outreach to disabled small businesses through SBA district/regional offices and resource partners (e.g., SBDCs, Women's Business Centers), developing technical support and training programs, establishing partnerships with relevant federal agencies (like HHS, DOJ, VA, SSA), reviewing program effectiveness, advocating for disabled small businesses, holding public meetings every six months, and submitting a report to Congress within two years. The Coordinator is explicitly required to consult with various SBA entities and other federal agencies.
Section 2, new Section 49(b) and (c) of the Small Business Act
Public Reporting and Voluntary Data Collection
This provision requires the SBA to publicly report data on services provided to disabled small business concerns across all its programs, including in weekly lending approval reports, 'to the extent possible.' Additionally, within one year of the bill's enactment, the Administrator must begin collecting data on the disability status of small business concerns through program intake forms, on a voluntary basis.