Renews Free Counseling Program for Small Businesses
HR10785-119 · Introduced Oct 9, 2026
Why it matters
Small business owners and people starting businesses would keep access to free SCORE counseling and workshops if the bill passes. Federal funding would be set at $17 million a year for two years.
What it does
- Authorizes $17 million a year for SCORE for fiscal years 2027 and 2028
- Requires SCORE to offer more online counseling, webinars, and mentoring tools
- Requires an annual report to Congress on how many people SCORE helps
- Requires SCORE to keep donated funds separate from federal funds
- Requires SCORE to produce a strategic plan and report within six months
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Housenot yet
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About this bill
Would renew SCORE, a free counseling program for small businesses, with $17 million a year for 2027 and 2028. SCORE would also offer more online help and report yearly to Congress.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Small business groups would likely say SCORE's free mentoring helps owners succeed. Stronger financial rules would help protect taxpayer money.
💬 The case against
Some groups would likely say $17 million a year is too much for volunteer counseling. They may also argue the new reporting adds paperwork.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this federal bill are at the source link.
News
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