H.R. 1845

H.R. 1845 is expected to be considered under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority for passage. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL) on April 1, 2009. This bill was incorporated into H.R. 2352, which passed the House on May 20, 2009, by a vote of 406-15.

H.R. 1845 authorizes $150 million in Fiscal Year 2010 and $160 million in Fiscal Year 2011 for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. Only fully accredited higher education institutions may receive new grants through the program.

The bill authorizes $2.5 million in each of the Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 for a new grant program for SBDCs to develop programs which help local small firms in securing capital and repairing damaged credit. These grants would be for $300,000 each.

The bill authorizes $2.5 million in each of the Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 to establish a procurement training program by which SBDCs work with local agencies to find contracts for local small businesses. The bill also authorizes $2.5 million in each of the Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 for a new "green entrepreneurial development program" to educate businesses on energy efficiency, green technology, and clean technology.

Finally, H.R. 1845 authorizes $2.5 million in each of the Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 for a statewide small business helpline in every State and territory to provide information to small business and dislocated workers interested in starting a business.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has not produced a cost estimate for H.R. 1845.