A bipartisan bill recently proposed by U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) would require the administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to encourage entrepreneurship training in afterschool programs around the country.
Specifically, the 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act, S. 4133, would connect students enrolled in 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) with mentors from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to develop their professional skills in entrepreneurship.
“Tennessee is known for having a robust creative and entrepreneurial community,” Sen. Blackburn said on April 8. “The 21st Century Entrepreneurship Act would ensure that Tennessee’s entrepreneurs of tomorrow have someone to guide them today by encouraging entrepreneurship that results in the creation of new jobs, fosters economic growth, and improves quality of life.”
Sen. Blackburn on March 18 cosponsored S. 4133 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), noting that CCLC is a federal program supporting local afterschool and summer learning programs for students at under-resourced schools.
SCORE’s more than 11,000 volunteer counselors, who are working or retired business owners, provide business advice to entrepreneurs. Research has shown that exposure to entrepreneurship during childhood increases the likelihood of a student becoming an entrepreneur as an adult, according to the lawmakers.
“A child’s zip code shouldn’t determine whether they are exposed to the mentors that can help them develop the skills to become innovators and business owners,” said Sen. Cortez Masto. “This legislation will help young entrepreneurs in every corner of the Silver State get the advice and training they need to drive Nevada’s future.”
If enacted, S. 4133 would require the SBA to develop an entrepreneurship curriculum for CCLC and encourage SCORE volunteers to partner with local chapters to provide training and mentorship.
Additionally, the bill would amend the Small Business Act and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to ensure the partnerships fall within the mission of each agency.
The measure is under consideration by the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.