Budget & Taxes (Appropriations · Small Business)

The Small Business Innovation Voucher Act of 2026 creates a new grant program to help small businesses purchase technical assistance and services from universities and nonprofit research labs. Under this competitive program, the Small Business Administration will award grants ranging from $15,000 to $75,000 to cover between 50% and 75% of the cost for projects aimed at developing new products or services. To receive funding, small businesses must submit an application detailing their project, and selected recipients are required to report on their results and how the project impacted their business after completion. The legislation authorizes $10 million per year from 2026 through 2030 to fund these grants and covers administrative expenses with up to 5% of the total appropriation.

The Disaster Loan Accountability and Reform Act (DLARA) requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to improve transparency and accountability for disaster loans. It mandates monthly reports detailing loan funding status, new budget requests with historical cost comparisons, and strict limits on loan obligations when funds fall below 10% of a 10-year average. The bill also requires GAO and SBA Inspector General reviews of funding shortfalls, cost impacts of recent policy changes, and enhanced forecasting for disaster loan budgets. These provisions directly affect the SBA’s operations and its reporting to Congress, aiming to prevent future funding crises through better data and oversight.

HR 5568, the "Funding Small Businesses During Shutdown Act," ensures certain Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs continue during government shutdowns by appropriating specific funds from the Treasury. It allocates $500,000 for section 7(m) loans, $2.9 billion for section 7(a) loans, $1.25 billion for Small Business Investment Act loans, and $13.775 million for administrative costs related to section 7(m) loans. These funds cover salaries and expenses to maintain loan servicing during any 30-day shutdown period (or pro-rated for shorter lapses), directly affecting small businesses relying on SBA loans. The bill creates a targeted funding mechanism to prevent program interruptions without requiring new appropriations during shutdowns.