Capito offers bipartisan One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act

Congress needs to continue taking steps to make it easier for small businesses to get operations off the ground and running, said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), who recently introduced legislation designed to support that goal. 

The bipartisan One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act, S. 5012, which Sen. Capito cosponsored on Sept. 29 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Jacky Rosen (D-NV), would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create a centralized website for licensing and business permit information and materials for small businesses, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

“In West Virginia, small businesses are an essential part of our economy. In fact, they make up more than 98 percent of businesses in West Virginia and employ nearly half of our workforce,” Sen. Capito said. “I’m proud to introduce the One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act, and lend a helping hand to America’s small business owners by requiring an easily accessible web feature to help them navigate complex state and federal operating requirements.” 

The Senate bill would require the director of the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurship Education to establish and maintain the website for small business permitting and licensing requirements, according to the congressional record bill summary.

“My bipartisan legislation will help reduce the burden on new small businesses by cutting through bureaucratic red tape to ensure they have the support and resources to get up and running,” said Sen. Rosen.

Shopify Inc. supports the bill, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.