The former operator of a small auto repair shop in Portland, Third Congressional District Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Washougal, joined a bipartisan collection of more than 70 U.S. lawmakers in telling the House Appropriations Committee to fully fund Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs).
In a May 1 letter, Gluesenkamp Perez and five other Washington Representatives — Reps. Rick Larsen, Suzan DelBene, Adam Smith, Kim Schrier and Cathy McMorris Rodgers — were among 76 lawmakers who signed onto a letter to promote funding the roughly 1,000 local centers, which are staffed by business advisors and trainers.
“When you’re running a small business, it can be hard enough to keep the wheels on the bus, let alone navigate red tape or plan for the future,” Gluesenkamp Perez said in a statement. “Small Business Development Centers assist prospective business owners and ensure existing small businesses have the tools they need to be successful. By fully funding these vital resources, we can help economies across Southwest Washington thrive.”
According to the letter, SBDCs helped generate $8.4 billion in sales, create over 83,000 new jobs and establish nearly 14,000 new businesses in 2022.
“The SBDCs in our districts are highly effective at helping local small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed (in) creating jobs and growing the economy,” wrote the lawmakers. “Therefore, we urge the Committee to include $160 million for the SBDC program (in fiscal year 2025). This appropriation will be matched more than one-to-one by state, local, and private funds, allowing SBDCs to serve more clients and increasing the breadth of services available, including navigating international trade and enhancing cybersecurity.”
