Rep. Delgado Introduces Small Business Relief Accessibility Act

Press Release

Today, U.S. Representative Antonio Delgado (NY-19) announced the introduction of the Small Business Relief Accessibility Act, which would empower the Small Business Administration (SBA) to work with local partners to connect small businesses with federal pandemic relief programs. The legislation establishes a new grant program that would allow local governments, chambers of commerce, and other nonprofits to receive funding to increase awareness and participation in the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, SBA debt relief, and Shuttered Venue Operators grants. It would also create an SBA telephone hotline to help businesses, lenders, and resource partners navigate various assistance options.

"Too many folks in my district and across the United States are unaware of or unable to access federal small business COVID-19 assistance," said Rep. Antonio Delgado. "My office has received thousands of requests from constituents who cannot navigate confusing applications and are desperate to speak with a live person who can help. This legislation puts dollars directly in local partners' hands to connect struggling small businesses with SBA programs. Throughout this pandemic, local governments and nonprofit organizations have proven they are our best resource to help mom and pop shops, family farms, and independent producers survive. Congress must pass this legislation to ensure small businesses can seek help from local partners they know and trust when trying to access federal programs to stay afloat."

"We are very pleased to see Congressman Delgado's bill creating this program," said Jeff Friedman, President and Executive Director of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. "It will enable the Chamber and other organizations to enhance their ability to assist our small businesses in getting connected to the programs and capital that are vital to their weathering the economic challenges the pandemic has created. Congressman Delgado's work for our small businesses has been appreciated and we applaud his continued energy in helping them to survive and thrive."

"Rural communities and their local partners need additional capacity and resources to support our farms and local food businesses access programs and funding," said Todd Erling, Executive Director of the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation. "The Community Navigator pilot program will cultivate new collaboration with capital and robust networks to provide business assistance directly to our farms and other rural entrepreneurs. The Community Navigator pilot program will support growth and regeneration in the Hudson Valley, and across rural communities nation wide, as the recovery continues."

The Small Business Relief Accessibility Act:

Establishes the Community Navigator pilot program to increase awareness and participation in COVID-19 relief programs, with priority for businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, women, and veterans.
Provides $100 million for Community Navigator grants to private nonprofit organizations, resource partners (SBDCs, Women's Business Centers, SCORE chapters), States, Tribes, and units of local government.
Provides $75 million for SBA outreach and education regarding navigator services and COVID-19 assistance by:
Establishing a telephone hotline to offer information about Federal COVID-19 small business programs and referral services to resource partners, community navigators, potential lenders, and other experts.
Implementing an education and advertising campaign targeted to current or prospective owners of eligible businesses.

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