Small-business advocates urge $10M for TAP and SIP technical assistance programs

A broad coalition of small-business advocates asked Subcommittee 4 to fund the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) and the Small-business Capital Infusion Program (SIP) with $10,000,000 in one-time funds — $5,000,000 for each program. Christina Rico of the California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) said the coalition originally sought $26 million but reduced the request "in recognition of the very difficult budget" and emphasized the programs' impact on statewide job creation and capital access.

Multiple speakers from chambers, SBDC advisers and local small-business owners described concrete local impacts: program managers said they helped clients access millions in loans and grants, created thousands of jobs, and supported minority- and women-owned businesses. "These programs connect small businesses to critical technical assistance resources that help entrepreneurs start, stabilize and grow their businesses," said Sydney Palace of the Cal Asian Chamber program. Speakers asked the subcommittee to prioritize the $10 million funding ask and thanked committee staff for engagement during the budget process.