EC Georgia News

Today, Congressmen Rick W. Allen and Mark DeSaulnier reintroduced the Startup Act, a bipartisan initiative aimed at supporting American entrepreneurs. The legislation seeks to expand access to programs offering training and resources for individuals starting their own businesses.

Congressman Allen shared his perspective: "Having built and grown my own small business from the ground up, I know how difficult and demanding that process can be. With over seven million unfilled jobs across the country, Congress must lead the way in connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need to build successful businesses, create jobs, and bolster the U.S. economy. Through the Startup Act, we can eliminate barriers to entrepreneurship and empower more hardworking individuals to achieve the American Dream. I thank Rep. DeSaulnier for joining me in this effort and am hopeful we can send this critical legislation to President Trump's desk."

Congressman DeSaulnier also expressed his support: "As a former restaurant owner, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of running a small business. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill with Congressman Allen to increase access to the support and resources entrepreneurs need to help their business thrive and remain the engines of our local economies."

Eric R. Parker, Cofounder & CEO of Make Startups, added: "At Make Startups, we’ve helped thousands of entrepreneurs and proven that building a business is one of the most effective ways to create jobs — not just for the founder but for their community. Yet too often, our workforce systems create barriers instead of pathways for aspiring entrepreneurs. We’re grateful for Congressman Allen’s leadership in reintroducing the Startup Act to help unlock the full potential of entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth in communities across the country."

The Startup Act proposes amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 by including entrepreneurial skills development training into existing systems. It also authorizes a three-year multi-state study by the Department of Labor to assess program outcomes and report findings to Congress. Previously, during the 118th Congress, it was part of the Stronger Workforce for America Act advanced by the Education and Workforce Committee.