Congresswoman Adams Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Small Business Service Organization Passes Key House Committee

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12), a member of the House Small Business Committee and Ranking Member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations today announced legislation she introduced, H.R.4788, the SCORE for Small Business Act recently passed out of the House Small Business Committee.

This legislation reauthorizes the SCORE program until 2018 and provides funding at $10.5 million each year for three years. In an effort to improve the program, this bill enhances reporting mechanisms along with the use of online tools to assist in counseling services. It is cosponsored by Representative Richard Hannah (R-NY). The legislation now heads to the House floor for a vote.

“Many new business owners lack the resources needed to start and expand their businesses,” said Congresswoman Adams. “The SCORE program is unique in that it is a free volunteer based network comprised of seasoned business professionals who are dedicated to paying it forward to help others achieve the American dream. My legislation ensures the program is guaranteed funding for the next several years and provides certainty to the many small business owners and potential business owners who rely on it for guidance.”

The SCORE program is a non-profit organization and the largest federal business mentoring program to help Americans start and grow their small businesses. Volunteers donate more than a million hours of their time to assist entrepreneurs. There are more than 300 SCORE chapters in more than 800 locations across the nation. SCORE volunteers provide assistance and training in person and online. There are six SCORE chapters in North Carolina; with chapters in Charlotte and Greensboro.

The SCORE program is part of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s entrepreneurship development portfolio that has provided significant business assistance to entrepreneurs, many of whom have retired from the workforce.