110 HR 7087 IH: To amend the Small Business Act to establish a mentorship U.S. House of Representatives 2008-09-25 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 110th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7087 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 25, 2008 Ms. Clarke introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Small Business A BILL To amend the Small Business Act to establish a mentorship program designed to help minority and women-owned small businesses build their capacities and access to contracting opportunities in the construction industry.

1.

Mentorship program for minority and women-owned small businesses with respect to contracting opportunities in construction industry

The Small Business Act is amended by redesignating section 44 as section 45 and by inserting after section 43 the following new section:

44.

Mentorship program for minority and women-owned small businesses with respect to contracting opportunities in construction industry

(a)

In general

The Administrator shall establish a program for the purpose of assisting eligible small business concerns build their capacities and access to contracting opportunities in the construction industry. (b)

Grants to state and local governments

The Administrator may make grants to State and local government entities to assist such entities— (1)to establish or expand mentorship programs designed to carry out the purposes of this section, (2)to identify problems and solutions regarding eligible small business concerns in the construction industry, and (3)to establish performance goals with respect to the mentoring program. (c)

Other assistance

The Administrator shall provide support and resources to entities receiving assistance under this section, including training and marketing materials and assistance in joint marketing and outreach campaigns. (d)

Free courses

At a minimum, mentoring programs receiving assistance under this section shall provide free courses to learn about managing the full project life-cycle, bidding opportunities on the Federal, State, and local levels, and guidance in bidding on construction projects and meeting the requirements of awarded contracts. (e)

Eligible small business concerns

For purposes of this section, the term eligible small business concern means— (1)any small business concern owned and controlled by women (as defined in section 8(m)), and (2)any small business concern owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals (as defined in section 8(a)(4)). (f)

Annual reports

Entities receiving assistance under this section shall report annually to the Administrator on their activities under this section.

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