U.S. Reps. Chris Gibson (R-NY) and Richard Hanna (R-NY) introduced a bipartisan bill on Wednesday that would help small businesses and startups in rural areas access broadband Internet.
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) joined Gibson and Hanna in introducing the bipartisan Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technologies Enhancement Act, H.R. 4587. All three congressmen are members of the House Small Business Committee. The bill would establish programs administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small business owners access broadband Internet.
“Farms and small businesses across Upstate New York offer an amazing array of goods and services, but the lack of broadband access in rural areas puts them at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to competing in the global marketplace,” Gibson said. “Our hardworking food producers, craftspeople, merchants and manufacturers deserve a level playing field. To that end, this legislation improves the SBA’s ability to help small businesses access broadband and support job growth in our communities.”
The measure would support a training program for SBA staff to learn how small businesses can maximize investments and external reach with broadband. Under the program, small business development district offices would also be equipped to help small business owners locate broadband access and navigate financing options.
“Access to broadband opens up small businesses to a world of commerce opportunities they would not otherwise have,” Hanna said. “Expanding Internet resources helps grow jobs and our local economies. By working to make these resources more available to entrepreneurs in Upstate New York, our bill helps them unlock new business prospects, not only here at home but across the globe.”
The Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Act would appoint an existing SBA senior staff member to coordinate broadband programs and to serve as liaison to the Broadband Opportunity Council.
“Small businesses are the entrepreneurial backbone of our country, and the Internet and growing app economy provide these businesses with ample opportunity for innovation,” Moulton said. “Unfortunately, many small businesses in rural Massachusetts and other parts of the country cannot fully take advantage of these opportunities because they lack affordable and reliable access to broadband. This legislation will strengthen the SBA’s ability to support these small businesses.”