Senator encourages SBA support for small business programs amid budget challenges

The U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations held a pivotal subcommittee hearing on May 21, 2025, to review the President’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the Small Business Administration (SBA). A key focus of the discussion was the significant cuts proposed for the SBA, which raised concerns among lawmakers about the agency's ability to support small businesses effectively.

Senator ***** expressed gratitude for the SBA's efforts to remove politics from its operations, noting that this shift has led to increased trust among lenders and a growth in loan approvals. However, he voiced alarm over the proposed budget cuts, which include a reduction of over 40% of the SBA workforce and the closure of regional offices. He emphasized the importance of the SBA, particularly for small businesses that make up 98% of all businesses and employ two-thirds of the workforce.

A highlight of the hearing was the discussion surrounding the SCORE program, which provides mentorship to new small businesses through a network of 10,000 volunteers. Senator ***** pointed out that SCORE has been instrumental in launching 63,000 small businesses last year alone, generating significant federal tax revenue. He urged the SBA to prioritize funding for this program, which he described as a model of efficiency.

Administrator Leffler acknowledged the concerns raised and highlighted the need for the SBA to streamline its services to better serve small businesses. He noted that while the budget is still being finalized, the agency is committed to enhancing programs like SCORE and ensuring that small businesses receive the support they need.

The hearing underscored the critical role of the SBA in fostering small business growth and the potential impact of budget cuts on its operations. As the agency prepares to finalize its budget, lawmakers are keenly awaiting updates on funding allocations and the future of essential programs like SCORE.