[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8078-S8088]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. KERRY (for himself and Ms. Snowe):
  S. 1671. A bill to reauthorize and improve the entrepreneurial 
development programs of the Small Business Administration, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepeneurship.
  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, as chairman of the Committee on Small 
Business and Entrepreneurship, I am pleased to introduce today with 
Ranking Member Senator Snowe the Entrepreneurial Development Act of 
2007. As always, I appreciate the opportunity to work with my colleague 
from Maine on the issues facing the Nation's small businesses, and I 
believe that we have taken another step in the right direction with 
this bill.
  The Entrepreneurial Development Act reauthorizes and expands the 
Small Business Administration's entrepreneurial development programs. 
In particular, it supports women and minority small business ownership 
opportunities by boosting Small Business Development Centers, Women's 
Business Centers, SCORE, and other counseling and assistance programs. 
Investing in these core small business assistance programs is critical 
to creating jobs and boosting our economy. In Massachusetts alone, 
SBDCs served over 8,500 entrepreneurs last year and our Center for 
Women and Enterprise has generated 15,000 jobs over the last 10 years. 
These programs will not only help our entrepreneurs succeed today, but 
they will build the next generation of small business owners too.
  We have long supported these kinds of improvements and many of the 
provisions in the bill unanimously passed the Committee on Small 
Business and Entrepreneurship last Congress.
  The bill takes a number of steps to improve the Women's Business 
Center grant program through streamlining paperwork and increased 
oversight, and also promoting greater consultation between the National 
Women's Business Council, the Interagency Committee on Women's Business 
Enterprise and Women's Business Centers. This increased communication 
between the different groups will help them provide the most effective 
and efficient assistance to women-owned small businesses.
  The bill also creates a Native American small business development 
program, an Office of Native American Affairs within the Small Business 
Administration, SBA, and a Native American grant pilot program to 
foster increased employment and expansion of small businesses in Indian 
Country through business counseling services. According to the SBA's 
Office of Advocacy, the American Indian and Alaska Native community is 
one of the fastest growing business groups in the country. Yet nearly 
25 percent of the country's American Indian and Alaska Native 
populations live in poverty. There are huge small business 
opportunities just waiting to be tapped in Indian Country. We should be 
building on the energy and excitement among Native American 
entrepreneurs with more support from the federal government, and that's 
exactly what we intend to do.
  In addition, the bill creates several pilot programs that will help 
to deal with some of the most important issues facing small businesses.
  First, the bill establishes a pilot program to assist small 
businesses in complying with Federal and State laws and regulations. 
Reducing redtape for small businesses has always been one of my top 
priorities for the committee. We must help small firms navigate the 
labyrinthine regulatory system because compliance is critical to their 
success and their continued contribution to our economy. I'm committed 
to seeing that small businesses have every tool available--from guides 
to direct compliance assistance and counseling to assist them along the 
way.
  In addition, this bill seeks to address the small business health 
insurance crisis through a competitive, pilot grant program for SBDCs 
to provide counseling and resources to small businesses about health 
insurance options in their communities. I have heard time and time 
again from small business owners that their number one concern is the 
high cost of health insurance. At least 27 million Americans working 
for small businesses don't have health insurance. That means that 27 
million Americans are one slip, illness or emergency room visit away 
from disaster. We must do everything we can to help them.
  Finally, the bill creates a Minority Entrepreneurship and Innovation 
pilot program to provide competitive grants to Historically Black 
Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, Alaska Native 
and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions, and Tribal

[[Page S8079]]

Colleges to create a curricula focused on entrepreneurship. The goal of 
this program is to target students in highly skilled fields such as 
engineering, manufacturing, science and technology, and guide them 
towards entrepreneurship as a career option. Traditionally, minority-
owned businesses are disproportionately represented in the service 
sectors. Promoting entrepreneurial education to undergraduate students 
will help expand business ownership beyond the service sectors to 
higher growth technical and financial sectors. One of our Nation's 
greatest assets is our diversity and investing in minority businesses 
only helps to increase the value of that asset. Unfortunately, 
investment in our minority business community has been sorely lacking. 
For example, in Massachusetts, minorities make up about 15 percent of 
our population, but they own only about 5 percent of the businesses and 
account for just 1.4 percent of sales. These statistics demonstrate why 
programs like the Minority Entrepreneurship and Innovation pilot 
program are so important to the future minority business leaders of 
tomorrow. Making this investment will ensure that we will have enough 
entrepreneurs from all sectors of our Nation to keep our economy 
competitive and strong.
  I thank Senator Snowe for joining me in introducing this important 
bill, and I urge my colleagues to support it when it comes before the 
full Senate for consideration. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent 
that the text of the bill be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the text of the bill was ordered to be 
printed in the Record, as follows:

                                S. 1671

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Entrepreneurial Development 
     Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

       The table of contents of this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. Definitions.

                        TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION

Sec. 101. Reauthorization.

          TITLE II--WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP PROGRAMS

Sec. 201. Office of Women's Business Ownership.
Sec. 202. Women's Business Center Program.
Sec. 203. National Women's Business Council.
Sec. 204. Interagency Committee on Women's Business Enterprise.
Sec. 205. Preserving the independence of the National Women's Business 
              Council.

                     TITLE III--INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Sec. 301. Small Business Administration Associate Administrator for 
              International Trade.
Sec. 302. Office of International Trade.

      TITLE IV--NATIVE AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Native American Small Business Development Program.
Sec. 403. Pilot programs.

         TITLE V--NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY ASSISTANCE

Sec. 501. Short title.
Sec. 502. Purpose.
Sec. 503. Small Business Regulatory Assistance Pilot Program.
Sec. 504. Rulemaking.

                       TITLE VI--OTHER PROVISIONS

Sec. 601. Minority Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pilot Program.
Sec. 602. Institutions of higher education.
Sec. 603. Health insurance options information for small business 
              concerns.
Sec. 604. National Small Business Development Center Advisory Board.
Sec. 605. Office of Native American Affairs pilot program.
Sec. 606. Privacy requirements for SCORE chapters.
Sec. 607. National Small Business Summit.

     SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.

       In this Act--
       (1) the terms ``Administration'' and ``Administrator'' mean 
     the Small Business Administration and the Administrator 
     thereof, respectively; and
       (2) the term ``small business concern'' has the meaning 
     given that term in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 632).

                        TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION

     SEC. 101. REAUTHORIZATION.

       (a) In General.--Section 20 of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 631 note) is amended--
       (1) by striking subsections (d), (e), and (j); and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(d) SCORE Program.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Administrator to carry out the Service 
     Corps of Retired Executives program authorized by section 
     8(b)(1) such sums as are necessary for the Administrator to 
     make grants or enter into cooperative agreements for a total 
     of--
       ``(1) $7,000,000 in fiscal year 2008;
       ``(2) $8,000,000 in fiscal year 2009; and
       ``(3) $9,000,000 in fiscal year 2010''.
       (b) Small Business Development Centers.--Section 21 of the 
     Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)(4)(C), by amending clause (vii) to 
     read as follows:
       ``(vii) Authorization of appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated to carry out this 
     subparagraph--

       ``(I) $135,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(II) $140,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       ``(III) $145,000,000 for fiscal year 2010.''; and

       (2) in subsection (c)(3)(T), by striking ``October 1, 
     2006'' and inserting ``October 1, 2010''.
       (3) Paul d. coverdell drug-free workplace program.--
       (A) In general.--Section 27(g) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 654(g)) is amended--
       (i) in paragraph (1), by striking ``fiscal years 2005 and 
     2006'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2008 through 2010''; and
       (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking ``fiscal years 2005 and 
     2006'' and inserting ``fiscal years 2008 through 2010''.
       (B) Conforming amendment.--Section 21(c)(3)(T) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(c)(3)(T)) is amended by striking 
     ``October 1, 2006'' and inserting ``October 1, 2010''.

          TITLE II--WOMEN'S SMALL BUSINESS OWNERSHIP PROGRAMS

     SEC. 201. OFFICE OF WOMEN'S BUSINESS OWNERSHIP.

       Section 29(g) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656(g)) 
     is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``in the areas'' 
     and all that follows through the end of subclause (I), and 
     inserting the following: ``to address issues concerning 
     management, operations, manufacturing, technology, finance, 
     retail and product sales, international trade, and other 
     disciplines required for--

       ``(I) starting, operating, and growing a small business 
     concern;''; and

       (B) in subparagraph (C), by inserting before the period at 
     the end the following: ``, the National Women's Business 
     Council, and any association of women's business centers''; 
     and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Programs and services for women-owned small 
     businesses.--The Assistant Administrator, in consultation 
     with the National Women's Business Council, the Interagency 
     Committee on Women's Business Enterprise, and 1 or more 
     associations of women's business centers, shall develop 
     programs and services for women-owned businesses (as defined 
     in section 408 of the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 
     (15 U.S.C. 631 note)) in business areas, which may include--
       ``(A) manufacturing;
       ``(B) technology;
       ``(C) professional services;
       ``(D) retail and product sales;
       ``(E) travel and tourism;
       ``(F) international trade; and
       ``(G) Federal Government contract business development.
       ``(4) Training.--The Administrator shall provide annual 
     programmatic and financial oversight training for women's 
     business ownership representatives and district office 
     technical representatives of the Administration to enable 
     representatives to carry out their responsibilities under 
     this section.
       ``(5) Grant program and transparency improvements.--The 
     Administrator shall improve the transparency of the women's 
     business center grant proposal process and the programmatic 
     and financial oversight process by--
       ``(A) providing notice to the public of each women's 
     business center grant announcement for an initial and renewal 
     grant, not later than 6 months before awarding such grant;
       ``(B) providing notice to grant applicants and recipients 
     of program evaluation and award criteria, not later than 12 
     months before any such evaluation;
       ``(C) reducing paperwork and reporting requirements for 
     grant applicants and recipients;
       ``(D) standardizing the oversight and review process of the 
     Administration; and
       ``(E) providing to each women's business center, not later 
     than 30 days after the completion of a site visit at that 
     center, a copy of site visit reports and evaluation reports 
     prepared by district office technical representatives or 
     Administration officials.''.

     SEC. 202. WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER PROGRAM.

       (a) Women's Business Center Grants Program.--Section 29 of 
     the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656) is amended--
       (1) in subsection (a)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4), as 
     paragraphs (3), (4), and (5), respectively; and
       (B) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
       ``(2) the term `association of women's business centers' 
     means an organization that represents not fewer than 30 
     percent of the women's business centers that are 
     participating in a program under this section, and whose 
     primary purpose is to represent women's business centers;'';
       (2) in subsection (b)--

[[Page S8080]]

       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as 
     subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), and adjusting the margins 
     accordingly;
       (B) by striking ``The Administration'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Administration'';
       (C) by striking ``The projects shall'' and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(2) Use of funds.--The projects shall''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Amount of grants.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator may award a grant 
     under this subsection of not more than $150,000 per year.
       ``(B) Equal allocations.--In the event that the 
     Administration has insufficient funds to provide grants of 
     $150,000 for each grant recipient under this subsection in 
     any fiscal year, available funds shall be allocated equally 
     to grant recipients, unless any recipient requests a lower 
     amount than the allocable amount.
       ``(4) Associations of women's business centers.--
       ``(A) Recognition.--The Administrator shall recognize the 
     existence and activities of any association of women's 
     business centers established to address matters of common 
     concern.
       ``(B) Consultation.--The Administrator shall consult with 
     each association of women's business centers to develop--
       ``(i) a training program for the staff of the women's 
     business centers and the Administration; and
       ``(ii) recommendations to improve the policies and 
     procedures for governing the general operations and 
     administration of the Women's Business Center Program, 
     including grant program improvements under subsection 
     (g)(5).''.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) In general.--Section 29 of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 656) is amended--
       (A) in subsection (h)(2), by striking ``to award a contract 
     (as a sustainability grant) under subsection (l) or'';
       (B) in subsection (j)(1), by striking ``The 
     Administration'' and inserting ``Not later than November 1st 
     of each year, the Administrator''; and
       (C) in subsection (k)--
       (i) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the 
     following:
       ``(1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated 
     to the Administration to carry out this section, to remain 
     available until expended--
       ``(A) $15,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;
       ``(B) $16,000,000 for fiscal year 2009; and
       ``(C) $17,500,000 for fiscal year 2010.
       ``(2) Allocation.--Of amounts made available pursuant to 
     paragraph (1), the Administrator shall use not less than 60 
     percent for grants under subsection (m).
       ``(3) Use of amounts.--Amounts made available under this 
     subsection may only be used for grant awards and may not be 
     used for costs incurred by the Administration in connection 
     with the management and administration of the program under 
     this section.''; and
       (ii) by striking paragraph (4).
       (2) Renewal grants.--
       (A) In general.--Section 29 of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 656) is amended by redesignating subsections (m) and 
     (n) as subsections (l) and (m), respectively.
       (B) Reference.--Subsection (l)(4)(D) of section 29 of the 
     Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 656), as redesignated by 
     subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, is amended by striking 
     ``or subsection (l)''.
       (C) Allocation.--Section 29(k)(2) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 656(k)(2)), as amended by this Act, is amended by 
     striking ``subsection (m)'' and inserting ``subsection (l)''.
       (D) Effective date.--The amendments made by this paragraph 
     shall take effect on the day after the effective date of the 
     amendments made by section 8305(b) of the Small Business and 
     Work Opportunity Act of 2007 (Public Law 110-28) (striking 
     subsection (l)).

     SEC. 203. NATIONAL WOMEN'S BUSINESS COUNCIL.

       (a) Cosponsorship Authority.--Section 406 of the Women's 
     Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7106) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(f) Cosponsorship Authority.--The Council is authorized 
     to enter into agreements as a cosponsor with public and 
     private entities, in the same manner as is provided in 
     section 8(b)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     637(b)(1)(A)), to carry out its duties under this section.''.
       (b) Membership.--Section 407(f) of the Women's Business 
     Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7107(f)) is amended by 
     adding at the end the following:
       ``(3) Representation of member organizations.--In 
     consultation with the chairperson of the Council and the 
     Administrator, a national women's business organization or 
     small business concern that is represented on the Council may 
     replace its representative member on the Council during the 
     service term to which that member was appointed.''.
       (c) Establishment of Working Groups.--Title IV of the 
     Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7101 et 
     seq.) is amended by inserting after section 410, the 
     following new section:

     ``SEC. 411. WORKING GROUPS.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There are established within the 
     Council, working groups, as directed by the chairperson.
       ``(b) Duties.--The working groups established under 
     subsection (a) shall perform such duties as the chairperson 
     shall direct.''.
       (d) Clearinghouse for Historical Documents.--Section 409 of 
     the Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7109) 
     is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(c) Clearinghouse for Historical Documents.--The Council 
     shall serve as a clearinghouse for information on small 
     businesses owned and controlled by women, including research 
     conducted by other organizations and individuals relating to 
     ownership by women of small business concerns in the United 
     States.''.
       (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 410(a) of the 
     Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7110(a)) is 
     amended by striking ``2001 through 2003, of which $550,000'' 
     and inserting ``2008 through 2010, of which not less than 30 
     percent''.

     SEC. 204. INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ON WOMEN'S BUSINESS 
                   ENTERPRISE.

       (a) Chairperson.--Section 403(b) of the Women's Business 
     Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7103(b)) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Not later'' and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--Not later''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(2) Vacancy.--In the event that a chairperson is not 
     appointed under paragraph (1), the Deputy Administrator of 
     the Small Business Administration shall serve as acting 
     chairperson of the Interagency Committee until a chairperson 
     is appointed under paragraph (1).''.
       (b) Policy Advisory Group.--Section 401 of the Women's 
     Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7101) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``There'' and inserting the following:
       ``(a) In General.--There''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(b) Policy Advisory Group.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established a Policy 
     Advisory Group to assist the chairperson in developing 
     policies and programs under this Act.
       ``(2) Membership.--The Policy Advisory Group shall be 
     composed of 7 policy making officials, of whom--
       ``(A) 1 shall be a representative of the Small Business 
     Administration;
       ``(B) 1 shall be a representative of the Department of 
     Commerce;
       ``(C) 1 shall be a representative of the Department of 
     Labor;
       ``(D) 1 shall be a representative of the Department of 
     Defense;
       ``(E) 1 shall be a representative of the Department of the 
     Treasury; and
       ``(F) 2 shall be representatives of the Council.''.

     SEC. 205. PRESERVING THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE NATIONAL WOMEN'S 
                   BUSINESS COUNCIL.

       (a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
       (1) The National Women's Business Council provides an 
     independent source of advice and policy recommendations 
     regarding women's business development and the needs of women 
     entrepreneurs in the United States to--
       (A) the President;
       (B) Congress;
       (C) the Interagency Committee on Women's Business 
     Enterprise; and
       (D) the Administrator.
       (2) The members of the National Women's Business Council 
     are small business owners, representatives of business 
     organizations, and representatives of women's business 
     centers.
       (3) The chair and ranking member of the Committee on Small 
     Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Small Business of the House of Representatives make 
     recommendations to the Administrator to fill 8 of the 
     positions on the National Women's Business Council. Four of 
     the positions are reserved for small business owners who are 
     affiliated with the political party of the President and 4 of 
     the positions are reserved for small business owners who are 
     not affiliated with the political party of the President. 
     This method of appointment ensures that the National Women's 
     Business Council will provide Congress with nonpartisan, 
     balanced, and independent advice.
       (4) In order to maintain the independence of the National 
     Women's Business Council and to ensure that the Council 
     continues to provide Congress with advice on a nonpartisan 
     basis, it is essential that the Council maintain the 
     bipartisan balance established under section 407 of the 
     Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7107).
       (b) Maintenance of Partisan Balance.--Section 407(f) of the 
     Women's Business Ownership Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 7107(f)), 
     as amended by this Act, is amended by adding at the end the 
     following:
       ``(4) Partisan balance.--When filling a vacancy under 
     paragraph (1) of this subsection of a member appointed under 
     paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b), the Administrator 
     shall, to the extent practicable, ensure that there are an 
     equal number of members on the Council from each of the 2 
     major political parties.
       ``(5) Accountability.--If a vacancy is not filled within 
     the 30-day period required under paragraph (1), or if there 
     exists an imbalance of party-affiliated members on the 
     Council for a period exceeding 30 days, the Administrator 
     shall submit a report, not later than 10 days after the 
     expiration of either such 30-day deadline, to the Committee 
     on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the 
     Committee on Small Business of the

[[Page S8081]]

     House of Representatives, that explains why the respective 
     deadline was not met and provides an estimated date on which 
     any vacancies will be filled, as applicable.''.

                     TITLE III--INTERNATIONAL TRADE

     SEC. 301. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ASSOCIATE 
                   ADMINISTRATOR FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

       (a) Establishment.--Section 22(a) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 649(a)) is amended by adding at the end the 
     following: ``The head of the Office shall be the Associate 
     Administrator for International Trade, who shall be 
     responsible to the Administrator.''.
       (b) Authority for Additional Associate Administrator.--
     Section 4(b)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     633(b)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in the fifth sentence, by striking ``five Associate 
     Administrators'' and inserting ``Associate Administrators''; 
     and
       (2) by adding at the end the following: ``One of the 
     Associate Administrators shall be the Associate Administrator 
     for International Trade, who shall be the head of the Office 
     of International Trade established under section 22.''.
       (c) Discharge of Administration International Trade 
     Responsibilities.--Section 22 of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 649) is amended by adding at the end the following:
       ``(h) Discharge of Administration International Trade 
     Responsibilities.--The Administrator shall ensure that--
       ``(1) the responsibilities of the Administration regarding 
     international trade are carried out through the Associate 
     Administrator for International Trade;
       ``(2) the Associate Administrator for International Trade 
     has sufficient resources to carry out such responsibilities; 
     and
       ``(3) the Associate Administrator for International Trade 
     has direct supervision and control over the staff of the 
     Office of International Trade, and over any employee of the 
     Administration whose principal duty station is a United 
     States Export Assistance Center or any successor entity.''.
       (d) Role of Associate Administrator in Carrying Out 
     International Trade Policy.--Section 2(b)(1) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631(b)(1)) is amended in the matter 
     preceding subparagraph (A)--
       (1) by inserting ``the Administrator of'' before ``the 
     Small Business Administration''; and
       (2) by inserting ``through the Associate Administrator for 
     International Trade, and'' before ``in cooperation with''.
       (e) Technical Amendment.--Section 22(c)(5) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 649(c)(5)) is amended by striking the 
     period at the end and inserting a semicolon.
       (f) Effective Date.--Not later than 90 days after the date 
     of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall appoint an 
     Associate Administrator for International Trade under section 
     22 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 649), as amended by 
     this section.

     SEC. 302. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

       Section 22 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 649) is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``sec. 22. (a) There'' and inserting the 
     following:

     ``SEC. 22. OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE.

       ``(a) Establishment.--There''.
       (2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``(referred to in this 
     section as the `Office'),'' after ``Trade'';
       (3) in subsection (b)--
       (A) by striking ``The Office'' and inserting the following:
       ``(b) Trade Distribution Network.--The Office, including 
     United States Export Assistance Centers (referred to as `one-
     stop shops' in section 2301(b)(8) of the Omnibus Trade and 
     Competitiveness Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4721(b)(8)) and as 
     `export centers' in this section)''; and
       (B) by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
       ``(1) assist in maintaining a distribution network using 
     regional and local offices of the Administration, the small 
     business development center network, the women's business 
     center network, and export centers for--
       ``(A) trade promotion;
       ``(B) trade finance;
       ``(C) trade adjustment;
       ``(D) trade remedy assistance; and
       ``(E) trade data collection.'';
       (4) in subsection (c)--
       (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (8) as 
     paragraphs (2) through (9), respectively;
       (B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, 
     the following:
       ``(1) establish annual goals for the Office relating to--
       ``(A) enhancing the exporting capability of small business 
     concerns and small manufacturers;
       ``(B) facilitating technology transfers;
       ``(C) enhancing programs and services to assist small 
     business concerns and small manufacturers to compete 
     effectively and efficiently against foreign entities;
       ``(D) increasing the access to capital by small business 
     concerns;
       ``(E) disseminating information concerning Federal, State, 
     and private programs and initiatives; and
       ``(F) ensuring that the interests of small business 
     concerns are adequately represented in trade negotiations;'';
       (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by striking 
     ``mechanism for'' and all that follows through ``(D)'' and 
     inserting the following: ``mechanism for--
       ``(A) identifying subsectors of the small business 
     community with strong export potential;
       ``(B) identifying areas of demand in foreign markets;
       ``(C) prescreening foreign buyers for commercial and credit 
     purposes; and
       ``(D)''; and
       (D) in paragraph (9), as so redesignated--
       (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A)--

       (I) by striking ``full-time export development specialists 
     to each Administration regional office and assigning''; and
       (II) by striking ``office. Such specialists'' and inserting 
     ``office and providing each Administration regional office 
     with a full-time export development specialist, who'';

       (ii) in subparagraph (D), by striking ``and'' at the end;
       (iii) in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the 
     end and inserting a semicolon; and
       (iv) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(F) participate jointly with employees of the Office in 
     an annual training program that focuses on current small 
     business needs for exporting; and
       ``(G) jointly develop and conduct training programs for 
     exporters and lenders in cooperation with the United States 
     Export Assistance Centers, the Department of Commerce, small 
     business development centers, and other relevant Federal 
     agencies.'';
       (5) in subsection (d)--
       (A) by inserting ``Export Financing Programs.--'' after 
     ``(d)'';
       (B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (5) as clauses 
     (i) through (v), respectively, and adjusting the margins 
     accordingly;
       (C) by striking ``The Office shall work in cooperation'' 
     and inserting the following:
       ``(1) In general.--The Office shall work in cooperation''; 
     and
       (D) by striking ``To accomplish this goal, the Office shall 
     work'' and inserting the following:
       ``(2) Trade financial specialist.--To accomplish the goal 
     established under paragraph (1), the Office shall--
       ``(A) designate at least 1 individual within the 
     Administration as a trade financial specialist to oversee 
     international loan programs and assist Administration 
     employees with trade finance issues; and
       ``(B) work'';
       (6) in subsection (e), by inserting ``Trade Remedies.--'' 
     after ``(e)'';
       (7) by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
       ``(f) Reporting Requirement.--The Office shall submit an 
     annual report to the Committee on Small Business and 
     Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small 
     Business of the House of Representatives that contains--
       ``(1) a description of the progress of the Office in 
     implementing the requirements of this section;
       ``(2) the destinations of travel by Office staff and 
     benefits to the Administration and to small business concerns 
     therefrom; and
       ``(3) a description of the participation by the Office in 
     trade negotiations.'';
       (8) in subsection (g), by inserting  ``Studies.--'' after 
     ``(g)''; and
       (9) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(i) Export Assistance Centers.--
       ``(1) In general.--During the period beginning on October 
     1, 2007, and ending on September 30, 2010, the Administrator 
     shall ensure that the number of full-time equivalent 
     employees of the Office assigned to the one-stop shops 
     referred to in section 2301(b) of the Omnibus Trade and 
     Competitiveness Act of 1988 (15 U.S.C. 4721 (b)) is not less 
     than the number of such employees so assigned on January 1, 
     2003.
       ``(2) Priority of placement.--Priority shall be given, to 
     the maximum extent practicable, to placing employees of the 
     Administration at any Export Assistance Center that--
       ``(A) had an Administration employee assigned to such 
     center before January 2003; and
       ``(B) has not had an Administration employee assigned to 
     such center during the period beginning January 2003, and 
     ending on the date of enactment of this subsection, either 
     through retirement or reassignment.
       ``(3) Needs of exporters.--The Administrator shall, to the 
     maximum extent practicable, strategically assign 
     Administration employees to Export Assistance Centers, based 
     on the needs of exporters.
       ``(4) Goals.--The Office shall work with the Department of 
     Commerce and the Export-Import Bank to establish shared 
     annual goals for the Export Centers.
       ``(5) Oversight.--The Office shall designate an individual 
     within the Administration to oversee all activities conducted 
     by Administration employees assigned to Export Centers.''.

      TITLE IV--NATIVE AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

     SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``Native American Small 
     Business Development Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 402. NATIVE AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.

       The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating section 37 as section 38; and
       (2) by inserting after section 36 the following:

[[Page S8082]]

     ``SEC. 37. NATIVE AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 
                   PROGRAM.

       ``(a) Definitions.--In this section--
       ``(1) the term `Alaska Native' has the same meaning as the 
     term `Native' in section 3(b) of the Alaska Native Claims 
     Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(b));
       ``(2) the term `Alaska Native corporation' has the same 
     meaning as the term `Native Corporation' in section 3(m) of 
     the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (43 U.S.C. 1602(m));
       ``(3) the term `Assistant Administrator' means the 
     Assistant Administrator of the Office of Native American 
     Affairs established under subsection (b);
       ``(4) the terms `center' and `Native American business 
     center' mean a center established under subsection (c);
       ``(5) the term `Native American business development 
     center' means an entity providing business development 
     assistance to federally recognized tribes and Native 
     Americans under a grant from the Minority Business 
     Development Agency of the Department of Commerce;
       ``(6) the term `Native American small business concern' 
     means a small business concern that is owned and controlled 
     by--
       ``(A) a member of an Indian tribe or tribal government;
       ``(B) an Alaska Native or Alaska Native corporation; or
       ``(C) a Native Hawaiian or Native Hawaiian Organization;
       ``(7) the term `Native Hawaiian' has the same meaning as in 
     section 625 of the Older Americans Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 
     3057k);
       ``(8) the term `Native Hawaiian Organization' has the same 
     meaning as in section 8(a)(15);
       ``(9) the term `tribal college' has the same meaning as the 
     term `tribally controlled college or university' has in 
     section 2(a)(4) of the Tribally Controlled Community College 
     Assistance Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801(a)(4));
       ``(10) the term `tribal government' has the same meaning as 
     the term `Indian tribe' has in section 7501(a)(9) of title 
     31, United States Code; and
       ``(11) the term `tribal lands' means all lands within the 
     exterior boundaries of any Indian reservation.
       ``(b) Office of Native American Affairs.--
       ``(1) Establishment.--There is established within the 
     Administration the Office of Native American Affairs, which, 
     under the direction of the Assistant Administrator, shall 
     implement the Administration's programs for the development 
     of business enterprises by Native Americans.
       ``(2) Purpose.--The purpose of the Office of Native 
     American Affairs is to assist Native American entrepreneurs 
     to--
       ``(A) start, operate, and grow small business concerns;
       ``(B) develop management and technical skills;
       ``(C) seek Federal procurement opportunities;
       ``(D) increase employment opportunities for Native 
     Americans through the start and expansion of small business 
     concerns; and
       ``(E) increase the access of Native Americans to capital 
     markets.
       ``(3) Assistant administrator.--
       ``(A) Appointment.--The Administrator shall appoint a 
     qualified individual to serve as Assistant Administrator of 
     the Office of Native American Affairs in accordance with this 
     paragraph.
       ``(B) Qualifications.--The Assistant Administrator 
     appointed under subparagraph (A) shall have--
       ``(i) knowledge of the Native American culture; and
       ``(ii) experience providing culturally tailored small 
     business development assistance to Native Americans.
       ``(C) Employment status.--The Assistant Administrator shall 
     be a Senior Executive Service position under section 
     3132(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, and shall serve as 
     a noncareer appointee, as defined in section 3132(a)(7) of 
     title 5, United States Code.
       ``(D) Responsibilities and duties.--The Assistant 
     Administrator shall--
       ``(i) administer and manage the Native American Small 
     Business Development program established under this section;
       ``(ii) recommend the annual administrative and program 
     budgets for the Office of Native American Affairs;
       ``(iii) consult with Native American business centers in 
     carrying out the program established under this section;
       ``(iv) recommend appropriate funding levels;
       ``(v) review the annual budgets submitted by each applicant 
     for the Native American Small Business Development program;
       ``(vi) select applicants to participate in the program 
     under this section;
       ``(vii) implement this section; and
       ``(viii) maintain a clearinghouse to provide for the 
     dissemination and exchange of information between Native 
     American business centers.
       ``(E) Consultation requirements.--In carrying out the 
     responsibilities and duties described in this paragraph, the 
     Assistant Administrator shall confer with and seek the advice 
     of--
       ``(i) Administration officials working in areas served by 
     Native American business centers and Native American business 
     development centers;
       ``(ii) representatives of tribal governments;
       ``(iii) tribal colleges;
       ``(iv) Alaska Native corporations; and
       ``(v) Native Hawaiian Organizations.
       ``(c) Native American Small Business Development Program.--
       ``(1) Authorization.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administration, through the Office 
     of Native American Affairs, shall provide financial 
     assistance to tribal governments, tribal colleges, Native 
     Hawaiian Organizations, and Alaska Native corporations to 
     create Native American business centers in accordance with 
     this section.
       ``(B) Use of funds.--The financial and resource assistance 
     provided under this subsection shall be used to overcome 
     obstacles impeding the creation, development, and expansion 
     of small business concerns, in accordance with this section, 
     by--
       ``(i) reservation-based American Indians;
       ``(ii) Alaska Natives; and
       ``(iii) Native Hawaiians.
       ``(2) 5-year projects.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each Native American business center 
     that receives assistance under paragraph (1)(A) shall conduct 
     a 5-year project that offers culturally tailored business 
     development assistance in the form of--
       ``(i) financial education, including training and 
     counseling in--

       ``(I) applying for and securing business credit and 
     investment capital;
       ``(II) preparing and presenting financial statements; and
       ``(III) managing cash flow and other financial operations 
     of a business concern;

       ``(ii) management education, including training and 
     counseling in planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and 
     controlling each major activity and function of a small 
     business concern; and
       ``(iii) marketing education, including training and 
     counseling in--

       ``(I) identifying and segmenting domestic and international 
     market opportunities;
       ``(II) preparing and executing marketing plans;
       ``(III) developing pricing strategies;
       ``(IV) locating contract opportunities;
       ``(V) negotiating contracts; and
       ``(VI) utilizing varying public relations and advertising 
     techniques.

       ``(B) Business development assistance recipients.--The 
     business development assistance under subparagraph (A) shall 
     be offered to prospective and current owners of small 
     business concerns that are owned by--
       ``(i) American Indians or tribal governments, and located 
     on or near tribal lands;
       ``(ii) Alaska Natives or Alaska Native corporations; or
       ``(iii) Native Hawaiians or Native Hawaiian Organizations.
       ``(3) Form of federal financial assistance.--
       ``(A) Documentation.--
       ``(i) In general.--The financial assistance to Native 
     American business centers authorized under this subsection 
     may be made by grant, contract, or cooperative agreement.
       ``(ii) Exception.--Financial assistance under this 
     subsection to Alaska Native corporations or Native Hawaiian 
     Organizations may only be made by grant.
       ``(B) Payments.--
       ``(i) Timing.--Payments made under this subsection may be 
     disbursed in an annual lump sum or in periodic installments, 
     at the request of the recipient.
       ``(ii) Advance.--The Administration may disburse not more 
     than 25 percent of the annual amount of Federal financial 
     assistance awarded to a Native American small business center 
     after notice of the award has been issued.
       ``(iii) No matching requirement.--The Administration shall 
     not require a grant recipient to match grant funding received 
     under this subsection with non-Federal resources as a 
     condition of receiving the grant.
       ``(4) Contract and cooperative agreement authority.--A 
     Native American business center may enter into a contract or 
     cooperative agreement with a Federal department or agency to 
     provide specific assistance to Native American and other 
     underserved small business concerns located on or near tribal 
     lands, to the extent that such contract or cooperative 
     agreement is consistent with the terms of any assistance 
     received by the Native American business center from the 
     Administration.
       ``(5) Application process.--
       ``(A) Submission of a 5-year plan.--Each applicant for 
     assistance under paragraph (1) shall submit a 5-year plan to 
     the Administration on proposed assistance and training 
     activities.
       ``(B) Criteria.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administration shall evaluate and 
     rank applicants in accordance with predetermined selection 
     criteria that shall be stated in terms of relative 
     importance.
       ``(ii) Public notice.--The criteria required by this 
     paragraph and their relative importance shall be made 
     publicly available, within a reasonable time, and stated in 
     each solicitation for applications made by the 
     Administration.
       ``(iii) Considerations.--The criteria required by this 
     paragraph shall include--

       ``(I) the experience of the applicant in conducting 
     programs or ongoing efforts designed to impart or upgrade the 
     business skills of current or potential owners of Native 
     American small business concerns;
       ``(II) the ability of the applicant to commence a project 
     within a minimum amount of time;
       ``(III) the ability of the applicant to provide quality 
     training and services to a significant number of Native 
     Americans;

[[Page S8083]]

       ``(IV) previous assistance from the Administration to 
     provide services in Native American communities; and
       ``(V) the proposed location for the Native American 
     business center site, with priority given based on the 
     proximity of the center to the population being served and to 
     achieve a broad geographic dispersion of the centers.

       ``(6) Program examination.--
       ``(A) In general.--Each Native American business center 
     established pursuant to this subsection shall annually 
     provide the Administration with an itemized cost breakdown of 
     actual expenditures incurred during the preceding year.
       ``(B) Administration action.--Based on information received 
     under subparagraph (A), the Administration shall--
       ``(i) develop and implement an annual programmatic and 
     financial examination of each Native American business center 
     assisted pursuant to this subsection; and
       ``(ii) analyze the results of each examination conducted 
     under clause (i) to determine the programmatic and financial 
     viability of each Native American business center.
       ``(C) Conditions for continued funding.--In determining 
     whether to renew a grant, contract, or cooperative agreement 
     with a Native American business center, the Administration--
       ``(i) shall consider the results of the most recent 
     examination of the center under subparagraph (B), and, to a 
     lesser extent, previous examinations; and
       ``(ii) may withhold such renewal, if the Administration 
     determines that--

       ``(I) the center has failed to provide adequate information 
     required to be provided under subparagraph (A), or the 
     information provided by the center is inadequate; or
       ``(II) the center has failed to provide adequate 
     information required to be provided by the center for 
     purposes of the report of the Administration under 
     subparagraph (E).

       ``(D) Continuing contract and cooperative agreement 
     authority.--
       ``(i) In general.--The authority of the Administrator to 
     enter into contracts or cooperative agreements in accordance 
     with this subsection shall be in effect for each fiscal year 
     only to the extent and in the amounts as are provided in 
     advance in appropriations Acts.
       ``(ii) Renewal.--After the Administrator has entered into a 
     contract or cooperative agreement with any Native American 
     business center under this subsection, it shall not suspend, 
     terminate, or fail to renew or extend any such contract or 
     cooperative agreement unless the Administrator provides the 
     center with written notification setting forth the reasons 
     therefore and affords the center an opportunity for a 
     hearing, appeal, or other administrative proceeding under 
     chapter 5 of title 5, United States Code.
       ``(E) Management report.--
       ``(i) In general.--The Administration shall prepare and 
     submit to the Committee on Small Business and 
     Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small 
     Business of the House of Representatives an annual report on 
     the effectiveness of all projects conducted by Native 
     American business centers under this subsection and any pilot 
     programs administered by the Office of Native American 
     Affairs.
       ``(ii) Contents.--Each report submitted under clause (i) 
     shall include, with respect to each Native American business 
     center receiving financial assistance under this subsection--

       ``(I) the number of individuals receiving assistance from 
     the Native American business center;
       ``(II) the number of startup business concerns created;
       ``(III) the number of existing businesses seeking to expand 
     employment;

       ``(IV) jobs created or maintained, on an annual basis, by 
     Native American small business concerns assisted by the 
     center since receiving funding under this Act;
       ``(V) to the maximum extent practicable, the capital 
     investment and loan financing utilized by emerging and 
     expanding businesses that were assisted by a Native American 
     business center; and
       ``(VI) the most recent examination, as required under 
     subparagraph (B), and the subsequent determination made by 
     the Administration under that subparagraph.

       ``(7) Annual report.--Each entity receiving financial 
     assistance under this subsection shall annually report to the 
     Administration on the services provided with such financial 
     assistance, including--
       ``(A) the number of individuals assisted, categorized by 
     ethnicity;
       ``(B) the number of hours spent providing counseling and 
     training for those individuals;
       ``(C) the number of startup small business concerns created 
     or maintained;
       ``(D) the gross receipts of assisted small business 
     concerns;
       ``(E) the number of jobs created or maintained at assisted 
     small business concerns; and
       ``(F) the number of Native American jobs created or 
     maintained at assisted small business concerns.
       ``(8) Record retention.--
       ``(A) Applications.--The Administration shall maintain a 
     copy of each application submitted under this subsection for 
     not less than 7 years.
       ``(B) Annual reports.--The Administration shall maintain 
     copies of the information collected under paragraph (6)(A) 
     indefinitely.
       ``(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are 
     authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 for each of the 
     fiscal years 2008 through 2010, to carry out the Native 
     American Small Business Development Program, authorized under 
     subsection (c).''.

     SEC. 403. PILOT PROGRAMS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Incorporation by reference.--The terms defined in 
     section 37(a) of the Small Business Act (as added by this 
     title) have the same meanings as in that section 37(a) when 
     used in this section.
       (2) Joint project.--The term ``joint project'' means the 
     combined resources and expertise of 2 or more distinct 
     entities at a physical location dedicated to assisting the 
     Native American community.
       (b) Native American Development Grant Pilot Program.--
       (1) Authorization.--
       (A) In general.--There is established a 4-year pilot 
     program under which the Administration is authorized to award 
     Native American development grants to provide culturally 
     tailored business development training and related services 
     to Native Americans and Native American small business 
     concerns.
       (B) Eligible organizations.--The grants authorized under 
     subparagraph (A) may be awarded to--
       (i) any small business development center; or
       (ii) any private, nonprofit organization that--

       (I) has members of an Indian tribe comprising a majority of 
     its board of directors;
       (II) is a Native Hawaiian Organization; or
       (III) is an Alaska Native corporation.

       (C) Amounts.--The Administration shall not award a grant 
     under this subsection in an amount which exceeds $100,000 for 
     each year of the project.
       (D) Grant duration.--Each grant under this subsection shall 
     be awarded for not less than a 2-year period and not more 
     than a 4-year period.
       (2) Conditions for participation.--Each entity desiring a 
     grant under this subsection shall submit an application to 
     the Administration that contains--
       (A) a certification that the applicant--
       (i) is a small business development center or a private, 
     nonprofit organization under paragraph (1)(B);
       (ii) employs an executive director or program manager to 
     manage the facility; and
       (iii) agrees--

       (I) to a site visit as part of the final selection process;
       (II) to an annual programmatic and financial examination; 
     and
       (III) to the maximum extent practicable, to remedy any 
     problems identified pursuant to that site visit or 
     examination;

       (B) information demonstrating that the applicant has the 
     ability and resources to meet the needs, including cultural 
     needs, of the Native Americans to be served by the grant;
       (C) information relating to proposed assistance that the 
     grant will provide, including--
       (i) the number of individuals to be assisted; and
       (ii) the number of hours of counseling, training, and 
     workshops to be provided;
       (D) information demonstrating the effective experience of 
     the applicant in--
       (i) conducting financial, management, and marketing 
     assistance programs designed to impart or upgrade the 
     business skills of current or prospective Native American 
     business owners;
       (ii) providing training and services to a representative 
     number of Native Americans;
       (iii) using resource partners of the Administration and 
     other entities, including universities, tribal governments, 
     or tribal colleges; and
       (iv) the prudent management of finances and staffing;
       (E) the location where the applicant will provide training 
     and services to Native Americans; and
       (F) a multiyear plan, corresponding to the length of the 
     grant, that describes--
       (i) the number of Native Americans and Native American 
     small business concerns to be served by the grant;
       (ii) in the continental United States, the number of Native 
     Americans to be served by the grant; and
       (iii) the training and services to be provided to a 
     representative number of Native Americans.
       (3) Review of applications.--The Administration shall--
       (A) evaluate and rank applicants under paragraph (2) in 
     accordance with predetermined selection criteria that is 
     stated in terms of relative importance;
       (B) include such criteria in each solicitation under this 
     subsection and make such information available to the public; 
     and
       (C) approve or disapprove each completed application 
     submitted under this subsection not later than 60 days after 
     the date of submission.
       (4) Annual report.--Each recipient of a Native American 
     development grant under this subsection shall annually report 
     to the Administration on the impact of the grant funding, 
     including--
       (A) the number of individuals assisted, categorized by 
     ethnicity;
       (B) the number of hours spent providing counseling and 
     training for those individuals;
       (C) the number of startup small business concerns created 
     or maintained with assistance from a Native American business 
     center;

[[Page S8084]]

       (D) the gross receipts of assisted small business concerns;
       (E) the number of jobs created or maintained at assisted 
     small business concerns; and
       (F) the number of Native American jobs created or 
     maintained at assisted small business concerns.
       (5) Record retention.--
       (A) Applications.--The Administration shall maintain a copy 
     of each application submitted under this subsection for not 
     less than 7 years.
       (B) Annual reports.--The Administration shall maintain 
     copies of the information collected under paragraph (4) 
     indefinitely.
       (c) American Indian Tribal Assistance Center Grant Pilot 
     Program.--
       (1) Authorization.--
       (A) In general.--There is established a 4-year pilot 
     program, under which the Administration shall award not less 
     than 3 American Indian Tribal Assistance Center grants to 
     establish joint projects to provide culturally tailored 
     business development assistance to prospective and current 
     owners of small business concerns located on or near tribal 
     lands.
       (B) Eligible organizations.--
       (i) Class 1.--Not fewer than 1 grant shall be awarded to a 
     joint project performed by a Native American business center, 
     a Native American business development center, and a small 
     business development center.
       (ii) Class 2.--Not fewer than 2 grants shall be awarded to 
     joint projects performed by a Native American business center 
     and a Native American business development center.
       (C) Amounts.--The Administration shall not award a grant 
     under this subsection in an amount which exceeds $200,000 for 
     each year of the project.
       (D) Grant duration.--Each grant under this subsection shall 
     be awarded for a 3-year period.
       (2) Conditions for participation.--Each entity desiring a 
     grant under this subsection shall submit to the 
     Administration a joint application that contains--
       (A) a certification that each participant of the joint 
     application--
       (i) is either a Native American business center, a Native 
     American business development center, or a small business 
     development center;
       (ii) employs an executive director or program manager to 
     manage the center; and
       (iii) as a condition of receiving an American Indian Tribal 
     Assistance Center grant, agrees--

       (I) to an annual programmatic and financial examination; 
     and
       (II) to the maximum extent practicable, to remedy any 
     problems identified pursuant to that examination;

       (B) information demonstrating an historic commitment to 
     providing assistance to Native Americans--
       (i) residing on or near tribal lands; or
       (ii) operating a small business concern on or near tribal 
     lands;
       (C) information demonstrating that each participant of the 
     joint application has the ability and resources to meet the 
     needs, including the cultural needs, of the Native Americans 
     to be served by the grant;
       (D) information relating to proposed assistance that the 
     grant will provide, including--
       (i) the number of individuals to be assisted; and
       (ii) the number of hours of counseling, training, and 
     workshops to be provided;
       (E) information demonstrating the effective experience of 
     each participant of the joint application in--
       (i) conducting financial, management, and marketing 
     assistance programs, designed to impart or upgrade the 
     business skills of current or prospective Native American 
     business owners; and
       (ii) the prudent management of finances and staffing; and
       (F) a plan for the length of the grant, that describes--
       (i) the number of Native Americans and Native American 
     small business concerns to be served by the grant; and
       (ii) the training and services to be provided.
       (3) Review of applications.--The Administration shall--
       (A) evaluate and rank applicants under paragraph (2) in 
     accordance with predetermined selection criteria that is 
     stated in terms of relative importance;
       (B) include such criteria in each solicitation under this 
     subsection and make such information available to the public; 
     and
       (C) approve or disapprove each application submitted under 
     this subsection not later than 60 days after the date of 
     submission.
       (4) Annual report.--Each recipient of an American Indian 
     tribal assistance center grant under this subsection shall 
     annually report to the Administration on the impact of the 
     grant funding received during the reporting year, and the 
     cumulative impact of the grant funding received since the 
     initiation of the grant, including--
       (A) the number of individuals assisted, categorized by 
     ethnicity;
       (B) the number of hours of counseling and training provided 
     and workshops conducted;
       (C) the number of startup business concerns created or 
     maintained with assistance from a Native American business 
     center;
       (D) the gross receipts of assisted small business concerns;
       (E) the number of jobs created or maintained at assisted 
     small business concerns; and
       (F) the number of Native American jobs created or 
     maintained at assisted small business concerns.
       (5) Record retention.--
       (A) Applications.--The Administration shall maintain a copy 
     of each application submitted under this subsection for not 
     less than 7 years.
       (B) Annual reports.--The Administration shall maintain 
     copies of the information collected under paragraph (4) 
     indefinitely.
       (d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated--
       (1) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010, 
     to carry out the Native American Development Grant Pilot 
     Program, authorized under subsection (b); and
       (2) $1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2010, 
     to carry out the American Indian Tribal Assistance Center 
     Grant Pilot Program, authorized under subsection (c).

         TITLE V--NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY ASSISTANCE

     SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE.

       This title may be cited as the ``National Small Business 
     Regulatory Assistance Act of 2007''.

     SEC. 502. PURPOSE.

       The purpose of this title is to establish a 4-year pilot 
     program to--
       (1) provide confidential assistance to small business 
     concerns;
       (2) provide small business concerns with the information 
     necessary to improve their rate of compliance with Federal 
     and State regulations derived from Federal law;
       (3) create a partnership among Federal agencies to increase 
     outreach efforts to small business concerns with respect to 
     regulatory compliance;
       (4) provide a mechanism for unbiased feedback to Federal 
     agencies on the regulatory environment for small business 
     concerns; and
       (5) expand the services delivered by the small business 
     development centers under section 21(c)(3)(H) of the Small 
     Business Act to improve access to programs to assist small 
     business concerns with regulatory compliance.

     SEC. 503. SMALL BUSINESS REGULATORY ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Association.--The term ``association'' means the 
     association established pursuant to section 21(a)(3)(A) of 
     the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(3)(A)) representing 
     a majority of small business development centers.
       (2) Participating small business development center.--The 
     term ``participating small business development center'' 
     means a small business development center participating in 
     the pilot program established under this title.
       (3) Regulatory compliance assistance.--The term 
     ``regulatory compliance assistance'' means assistance 
     provided by a small business development center to a small 
     business concern to assist and facilitate the concern in 
     complying with Federal and State regulatory requirements 
     derived from Federal law.
       (4) Small business development center.--The term ``small 
     business development center'' means a small business 
     development center described in section 21 of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648).
       (5) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
     States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto 
     Rico, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and Guam.
       (b) Authority.--In accordance with this section, the 
     Administrator shall establish a pilot program to provide 
     regulatory compliance assistance to small business concerns 
     through participating small business development centers.
       (c) Small Business Development Centers.--
       (1) In general.--In carrying out the pilot program 
     established under this section, the Administrator shall enter 
     into arrangements with participating small business 
     development centers under which such centers shall--
       (A) provide access to information and resources, including 
     current Federal and State nonpunitive compliance and 
     technical assistance programs similar to those established 
     under section 507 of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 (42 
     U.S.C. 7661f);
       (B) conduct training and educational activities;
       (C) offer confidential, free of charge, one-on-one, in-
     depth counseling to the owners and operators of small 
     business concerns regarding compliance with Federal and State 
     regulations derived from Federal law, provided that such 
     counseling is not considered to be the practice of law in a 
     State in which a small business development center is located 
     or in which such counseling is conducted;
       (D) provide technical assistance;
       (E) give referrals to experts and other providers of 
     compliance assistance who meet such standards for 
     educational, technical, and professional competency as are 
     established by the Administrator; and
       (F) form partnerships with Federal compliance programs.
       (2) Reports.--Each participating small business development 
     center shall transmit to the Administrator and the Chief 
     Counsel for Advocacy of the Administration, as the 
     Administrator may direct, a quarterly report that includes--
       (A) a summary of the regulatory compliance assistance 
     provided by the center under the pilot program;

[[Page S8085]]

       (B) the number of small business concerns assisted under 
     the pilot program; and
       (C) for every fourth report, any regulatory compliance 
     information based on Federal law that a Federal or State 
     agency has provided to the center during the preceding year 
     and requested that it be disseminated to small business 
     concerns.
       (d) Eligibility.--A small business development center shall 
     be eligible to receive assistance under the pilot program 
     established under this section only if such center is 
     certified under section 21(k)(2) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 648(k)(2)).
       (e) Selection of Participating Small Business Development 
     Centers.--
       (1) Groupings.--
       (A) Consultation.--The Administrator shall select the small 
     business development center programs of 2 States from each of 
     the groups of States described in subparagraph (B) to 
     participate in the pilot program established under this 
     section.
       (B) Groups.--The groups described in this subparagraph as 
     follows:
       (i) Group 1.--Group 1 shall consist of Maine, 
     Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode 
     Island.
       (ii) Group 2.--Group 2 shall consist of New York, New 
     Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
       (iii) Group 3.--Group 3 shall consist of Pennsylvania, 
     Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, the District of Columbia, 
     and Delaware.
       (iv) Group 4.--Group 4 shall consist of Georgia, Alabama, 
     North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, 
     Kentucky, and Tennessee.
       (v) Group 5.--Group 5 shall consist of Illinois, Ohio, 
     Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
       (vi) Group 6.--Group 6 shall consist of Texas, New Mexico, 
     Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
       (vii) Group 7.--Group 7 shall consist of Missouri, Iowa, 
     Nebraska, and Kansas.
       (viii) Group 8.--Group 8 shall consist of Colorado, 
     Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Utah.
       (ix) Group 9.--Group 9 shall consist of California, Guam, 
     American Samoa, Hawaii, Nevada, and Arizona.
       (x) Group 10.--Group 10 shall consist of Washington, 
     Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon.
       (2) Deadline for selection.--The Administrator shall make 
     selections under this subsection not later than 6 months 
     after the date of publication of final regulations under 
     section 1704.
       (f) Matching Requirement.--Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
     section 21(a)(4) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     648(a)(4)) shall apply to assistance made available under the 
     pilot program established under this section.
       (g) Grant Amounts.--Each State program selected to receive 
     a grant under subsection (e) shall be eligible to receive a 
     grant in an amount equal to--
       (1) not less than $150,000 per fiscal year; and
       (2) not more than $300,000 per fiscal year.
       (h) Evaluation and Report.--The Comptroller General of the 
     United States shall--
       (1) not later than 30 months after the date of disbursement 
     of the first grant under the pilot program established under 
     this section, initiate an evaluation of the pilot program; 
     and
       (2) not later than 6 months after the date of the 
     initiation of the evaluation under paragraph (1), transmit to 
     the Administrator, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy, the 
     Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the 
     Senate, and the Committee on Small Business of the House of 
     Representatives, a report containing--
       (A) the results of the evaluation; and
       (B) any recommendations as to whether the pilot program, 
     with or without modification, should be extended to include 
     the participation of all small business development centers.
       (i) Posting of Information.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     post on the website of the Administration and publish in the 
     Federal Register a guidance document describing the 
     requirements of an application for assistance under this 
     section.
       (j) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this section--
       (A) $5,000,000 for the first fiscal year beginning after 
     the date of enactment of this Act; and
       (B) $5,000,000 for each of the 3 fiscal years following the 
     fiscal year described in subparagraph (A).
       (2) Limitation on use of other funds.--The Administrator 
     may carry out the pilot program established under this 
     section only with amounts appropriated in advance 
     specifically to carry out this section.
       (k) Termination.--The Small Business Regulatory Assistance 
     Pilot Program established under this section shall terminate 
     4 years after the date of disbursement of the first grant 
     under the pilot program.

     SEC. 504. RULEMAKING.

       After providing notice and an opportunity for comment, and 
     after consulting with the association (but not later than 180 
     days after the date of enactment of this Act), the 
     Administrator shall promulgate final regulations to carry out 
     this title, including regulations that establish--
       (1) priorities for the types of assistance to be provided 
     under the pilot program established under this title;
       (2) standards relating to educational, technical, and 
     support services to be provided by participating small 
     business development centers;
       (3) standards relating to any national service delivery and 
     support function to be provided by the association under the 
     pilot program;
       (4) standards relating to any work plan that the 
     Administrator may require a participating small business 
     development center to develop; and
       (5) standards relating to the educational, technical, and 
     professional competency of any expert or other assistance 
     provider to whom a small business concern may be referred for 
     compliance assistance under the pilot program.

                       TITLE VI--OTHER PROVISIONS

     SEC. 601. MINORITY ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION PILOT 
                   PROGRAM.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section--
       (1) the terms ``Alaska Native-serving institution'' and 
     ``Native Hawaiian-serving institution'' have the meanings 
     given those terms in section 317 of the Higher Education Act 
     of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059d);
       (2) the term ``Hispanic serving institution'' has the 
     meaning given the term in section 502 of the Higher Education 
     Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1101a);
       (3) the term ``historically Black college and university'' 
     has the meaning given the term ``part B institution'' in 
     section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 
     1061);
       (4) the term ``small business development center'' has the 
     same meaning as in section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 
     U.S.C. 648); and
       (5) the term ``Tribal College'' has the meaning given the 
     term ``tribally controlled college or university'' in section 
     2 of the Tribally Controlled College or University Assistance 
     Act of 1978 (25 U.S.C. 1801).
       (b) Minority Entrepreneurship and Innovation Grants.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall make grants to 
     historically Black colleges and universities, Tribal 
     Colleges, Hispanic serving institutions, Alaska Native-
     serving institutions, and Native Hawaiian-serving 
     institutions, or to any entity formed by a combination of 
     such institutions--
       (A) to assist in establishing an entrepreneurship 
     curriculum for undergraduate or graduate studies; and
       (B) for placement of small business development centers on 
     the physical campus of the institution.
       (2) Curriculum requirement.--An institution of higher 
     education receiving a grant under this subsection shall 
     develop a curriculum that includes training in various skill 
     sets needed by successful entrepreneurs, including--
       (A) business management and marketing, financial management 
     and accounting, market analysis and competitive analysis, 
     innovation and strategic planning; and
       (B) additional entrepreneurial skill sets specific to the 
     needs of the student population and the surrounding 
     community, as determined by the institution.
       (3) Small business development center requirement.--Each 
     institution receiving a grant under this subsection shall 
     open a small business development center that--
       (A) performs studies, research, and counseling concerning 
     the management, financing, and operation of small business 
     concerns;
       (B) performs management training and technical assistance 
     regarding the participation of small business concerns in 
     international markets, export promotion and technology 
     transfer, and the delivery or distribution of such services 
     and information;
       (C) offers referral services for entrepreneurs and small 
     business concerns to business development, financing, and 
     legal experts; and
       (D) promotes market-specific innovation, niche marketing, 
     capacity building, international trade, and strategic 
     planning as keys to long-term growth for its small business 
     concern and entrepreneur clients.
       (4) Grant limitations.--A grant under this subsection--
       (A) may not exceed $500,000 for any fiscal year for any 1 
     institution of higher education;
       (B) may not be used for any purpose other than those 
     associated with the direct costs incurred to develop and 
     implement a curriculum that fosters entrepreneurship and the 
     costs incurred to organize and run a small business 
     development center on the grounds of the institution; and
       (C) may not be used for building expenses, administrative 
     travel budgets, or other expenses not directly related to the 
     implementation of the curriculum or activities authorized by 
     this section.
       (5) Exception from small business act requirement.--
     Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 21(a)(4) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(4)) do not apply to assistance 
     made available under this subsection.
       (6) Report.--Not later than November 1 of each year, the 
     Associate Administrator of Entrepreneurial Development of the 
     Administration shall submit to the Committee on Small 
     Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee 
     on Small Business of the House of Representatives, a report 
     evaluating the award and use of grants under this subsection 
     during the preceding fiscal year, which shall include--
       (A) a description of each entrepreneurship program 
     developed with grant funds, the date of the award of such 
     grant, and the

[[Page S8086]]

     number of participants in each such program;
       (B) the number of small business concerns assisted by each 
     small business development center established with a grant 
     under this subsection; and
       (C) data regarding the economic impact of the small 
     business development center counseling provided under a grant 
     under this subsection.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized 
     to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended, for each of fiscal years 
     2008 and 2010.
       (d) Limitation on Use of Other Funds.--The Administrator 
     shall carry out this section only with amounts appropriated 
     in advance specifically to carry out this section.

     SEC. 602. INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.

       (a) In General.--Section 21(a)(1) of the Small Business Act 
     (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(1)) is amended by striking ``: Provided, 
     That'' and all that follows through ``on such date.'' and 
     inserting the following: ``On and after December 31, 2007, 
     the Administration may only make a grant under this paragraph 
     to an applicant that is an institution of higher education, 
     as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 
     1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001(a)) that is accredited (and not merely 
     in preaccreditation status) by a nationally recognized 
     accrediting agency or association, recognized by the 
     Secretary of Education for such purpose in accordance with 
     section 496 of that Act (20 U.S.C. 1099b), or to a women's 
     business center operating pursuant to section 29 as a small 
     business development center, unless the applicant was 
     receiving a grant (including a contract or cooperative 
     agreement) on December 31, 2007.''.
       (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) 
     shall take effect on December 31, 2007.

     SEC. 603. HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS INFORMATION FOR SMALL 
                   BUSINESS CONCERNS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section, the following 
     definitions shall apply:
       (1) Association.--The term ``association'' means an 
     association established under section 21(a)(3)(A) of the 
     Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(a)(3)(A)) representing a 
     majority of small business development centers.
       (2) Participating small business development center.--The 
     term ``participating small business development center'' 
     means a small business development center described in 
     section 21 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648) that--
       (A) is certified under section 21(k)(2) of the Small 
     Business Act (15 U.S.C. 648(k)(2)); and
       (B) receives a grant under the pilot program.
       (3) Pilot program.--The term ``pilot program'' means the 
     small business health insurance information pilot program 
     established under this section.
       (4) State.--The term ``State'' means each of the several 
     States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the 
     Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, American 
     Samoa, and Guam.
       (b) Small Business Health Insurance Information Pilot 
     Program.--The Administrator shall establish a pilot program 
     to make grants to small business development centers to 
     provide neutral and objective information and educational 
     materials regarding health insurance options, including 
     coverage options within the small group market, to small 
     business concerns.
       (c) Applications.--
       (1) Posting of information.--Not later than 90 days after 
     the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
     post on the website of the Administration and publish in the 
     Federal Register a guidance document describing--
       (A) the requirements of an application for a grant under 
     the pilot program; and
       (B) the types of informational and educational materials 
     regarding health insurance options to be created under the 
     pilot program, including by referencing materials and 
     resources developed by the National Association of Insurance 
     Commissioners, the Kaiser Family Foundation, and the 
     Healthcare Leadership Council.
       (2) Submission.--A small business development center 
     desiring a grant under the pilot program shall submit an 
     application at such time, in such manner, and accompanied by 
     such information as the Administrator may reasonably require.
       (d) Selection of Participating Small Business Development 
     Centers.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator shall select not more 
     than 20 small business development centers to receive a grant 
     under the pilot program.
       (2) Selection of programs.--In selecting small business 
     development centers under paragraph (1), the Administrator 
     may not select--
       (A) more than 2 programs from each of the groups of States 
     described in paragraph (3); and
       (B) more than 1 program in any State.
       (3) Groupings.--The groups of States described in this 
     paragraph are the following:
       (A) Group 1.--Group 1 shall consist of Maine, 
     Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, and Rhode 
     Island.
       (B) Group 2.--Group 2 shall consist of New York, New 
     Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
       (C) Group 3.--Group 3 shall consist of Pennsylvania, 
     Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, the District of Columbia, 
     and Delaware.
       (D) Group 4.--Group 4 shall consist of Georgia, Alabama, 
     North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, 
     Kentucky, and Tennessee.
       (E) Group 5.--Group 5 shall consist of Illinois, Ohio, 
     Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
       (F) Group 6.--Group 6 shall consist of Texas, New Mexico, 
     Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
       (G) Group 7.--Group 7 shall consist of Missouri, Iowa, 
     Nebraska, and Kansas.
       (H) Group 8.--Group 8 shall consist of Colorado, Wyoming, 
     North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Utah.
       (I) Group 9.--Group 9 shall consist of California, Guam, 
     American Samoa, Hawaii, Nevada, and Arizona.
       (J) Group 10.--Group 10 shall consist of Washington, 
     Alaska, Idaho, and Oregon.
       (4) Deadline for selection.--The Administrator shall make 
     selections under this subsection not later than 6 months 
     after the later of the date on which the information 
     described in subsection (c)(1) is posted on the website of 
     the Administration and the date on which the information 
     described in subsection (c)(1) is published in the Federal 
     Register.
       (e) Use of Funds.--
       (1) In general.--A participating small business development 
     center shall use funds provided under the pilot program to--
       (A) create and distribute informational materials; and
       (B) conduct training and educational activities.
       (2) Content of materials.--
       (A) In general.--In creating materials under the pilot 
     program, a participating small business development center 
     shall evaluate and incorporate relevant portions of existing 
     informational materials regarding health insurance options, 
     including materials and resources developed by the National 
     Association of Insurance Commissioners, the Kaiser Family 
     Foundation, and the Healthcare Leadership Council.
       (B) Health insurance options.--In incorporating information 
     regarding health insurance options under subparagraph (A), a 
     participating small business development center shall provide 
     neutral and objective information regarding health insurance 
     options in the geographic area served by the participating 
     small business development center, including traditional 
     employer sponsored health insurance for the group insurance 
     market, such as the health insurance options defined in 
     section 2791 of the Public Health Services Act (42 U.S.C. 
     300gg-91) or section 125 of the Internal Revenue Code of 
     1986, and Federal and State health insurance programs.
       (f) Grant Amounts.--Each participating small business 
     development center program shall receive a grant in an amount 
     equal to--
       (1) not less than $150,000 per fiscal year; and
       (2) not more than $300,000 per fiscal year.
       (g) Matching Requirement.--Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of 
     section 21(a)(4) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     648(a)(4)) shall apply to assistance made available under the 
     pilot program.
       (h) Reports.--Each participating small business development 
     center shall transmit to the Committee on Small Business and 
     Entrepreneurship of the Senate and the Committee on Small 
     Business of the House of Representatives, a quarterly report 
     that includes--
       (1) a summary of the information and educational materials 
     regarding health insurance options provided by the 
     participating small business development center under the 
     pilot program; and
       (2) the number of small business concerns assisted under 
     the pilot program.
       (i) Authorization of Appropriations.--
       (1) In general.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
     carry out this section--
       (A) $5,000,000 for the first fiscal year beginning after 
     the date of enactment of this Act; and
       (B) $5,000,000 for each of the 3 fiscal years following the 
     fiscal year described in subparagraph (A).
       (2) Limitation on use of other funds.--The Administrator 
     may carry out the pilot program only with amounts 
     appropriated in advance specifically to carry out this 
     section.

     SEC. 604. NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER ADVISORY 
                   BOARD.

       Section 21(i)(1) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 
     648(i)(1)) is amended by striking ``nine members'' and 
     inserting ``10 members''.

     SEC. 605. OFFICE OF NATIVE AMERICAN AFFAIRS PILOT PROGRAM.

       (a) Definition.--In this section, the term ``Indian tribe'' 
     means any band, nation, or organized group or community of 
     Indians located in the contiguous United States, and the 
     Metlakatla Indian Community, whose members are recognized as 
     eligible for the services provided to Indians by the 
     Secretary of the Interior because of their status as Indians.
       (b) Authorization.--The Office of Native American Affairs 
     of the Administration may conduct a pilot program--
       (1) to develop and publish a self-assessment tool for 
     Indian tribes that will allow such tribes to evaluate and 
     implement best practices for economic development; and
       (2) to provide assistance to Indian tribes, through the 
     Inter-Agency Working Group, in identifying and implementing 
     economic development opportunities available from the

[[Page S8087]]

     Federal Government and private enterprise, including--
       (A) the Administration;
       (B) the Department of Energy;
       (C) the Environmental Protection Agency;
       (D) the Department of Commerce;
       (E) the Federal Communications Commission;
       (F) the Department of Justice;
       (G) the Department of Labor;
       (H) the Office of National Drug Control Policy; and
       (I) the Department of Agriculture.
       (c) Termination of Program.--The authority to conduct a 
     pilot program under this section shall terminate on September 
     30, 2009.
       (d) Report.--Not later than September 30, 2009, the Office 
     of Native American Affairs shall submit a report to the 
     Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the 
     Senate and the Committee on Small Business of the House of 
     Representatives regarding the effectiveness of the self-
     assessment tool developed under subsection (b)(1).

     SEC. 606. PRIVACY REQUIREMENTS FOR SCORE CHAPTERS.

       Section 8 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637) is 
     amended by inserting after subsection (b) the following
       ``(c) Privacy Requirements.--
       ``(1) In general.--A chapter of the Service Corps of 
     Retired Executives program authorized by subsection (b)(1) or 
     an agent of such a chapter may not disclose the name, 
     address, or telephone number of any individual or small 
     business concern receiving assistance from that chapter or 
     agent without the consent of such individual or small 
     business concern, unless--
       ``(A) the Administrator is ordered to make such a 
     disclosure by a court in any civil or criminal enforcement 
     action initiated by a Federal or State agency; or
       ``(B) the Administrator considers such a disclosure to be 
     necessary for the purpose of conducting a financial audit of 
     a chapter of the Service Corps of Retired Executives program 
     authorized by subsection (b)(1), but a disclosure under this 
     subparagraph shall be limited to the information necessary 
     for such audit.
       ``(2) Administrator use of information.--This subsection 
     shall not--
       ``(A) restrict Administrator access to program activity 
     data; or
       ``(B) prevent the Administrator from using client 
     information to conduct client surveys.
       ``(3) Regulations.--
       ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall issue 
     regulations to establish standards--
       ``(i) for disclosures with respect to financial audits 
     under paragraph (1)(B); and
       ``(ii) for client surveys under paragraph (2)(B), including 
     standards for oversight of such surveys and for dissemination 
     and use of client information.
       ``(B) Maximum privacy protection.--Regulations under this 
     paragraph shall, to the extent practicable, provide for the 
     maximum amount of privacy protection.
       ``(C) Inspector general.--Until the effective date of 
     regulations under this paragraph, any client survey and the 
     use of such information shall be approved by the Inspector 
     General who shall include such approval in the semi-annual 
     report of the Inspector General.''.

     SEC. 607. NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT.

       (a) In General.--Not later than December 31, 2009, the 
     President shall convene a National Small Business Summit to 
     examine the present conditions and future of the community of 
     small business concerns in the United States. The summit 
     shall include owners of small business concerns, 
     representatives of small business groups, labor, academia, 
     State and Federal government, Federal research and 
     development agencies, and nonprofit policy groups concerned 
     with the issues of small business concerns.
       (b) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     conclusion of the summit convened under subsection (a), the 
     President shall issue a report on the results of the summit. 
     The report shall identify key challenges and recommendations 
     for promoting entrepreneurship and the growth of small 
     business concerns.

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, as ranking member of the Senate Committee 
on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I rise today to join with 
Chairman Kerry in introducing the Entrepreneurial Development Act of 
2007, a bill to reauthorize and improve the U.S. Small Business 
Administration's--SBA--Entrepreneurial Development Programs. I have 
long fought to expand the power and reach of the SBA's entrepreneurial 
development tools, which are used by millions of aspiring entrepreneurs 
and small businesses across the United States. These programs 
demonstrate how Congress can play a positive role in enhancing private-
sector financing for start-up companies. We must continue to strengthen 
these core SBA programs because they have proven invaluable in aiding 
the efforts and dreams of America's entrepreneurs.
  The bill which I am cosponsoring today is the product of the type of 
bipartisan work the Small Business Committee has come to be known for. 
The provisions contained in this legislation are a compilation of ideas 
and initiatives put forward by myself, Chairman Kerry, and other 
Committee members. Much of the language in the Entrepreneurial 
Development Act of 2007 was contained in my SBA Reauthorization and 
Improvements Act passed unanimously by the Small Business Committee 
during the 109th Congress. Unfortunately, this bipartisan bill never 
passed the Senate.
  Since 1980, Small Business Development Centers--SBDCs--have been 
essential in the delivery of management and technical counseling 
assistance and educational programs to prospective and existing small 
business owners. Since its inception, the SBDC program has served over 
11 million clients with new business starts, sustainability programs 
for struggling firms, and expansion plans for growth firms. For every 
dollar spent on the SBDC program, approximately $2.66 in tax revenue is 
generated.
  An example of the local value of the SBDC program is found in my home 
State of Maine, where SBDCs invested more than 10,000 hours in 
counseling to 3,000 clients in 2005. The economic benefits of these 
services on the economy in Maine was demonstrated by a recent study of 
the Maine SBDCs that showed: No. 1, long-term clients of the Maine SBDC 
generated $44 million in incremental sales and 908 new jobs because of 
SBDC counseling assistance; and No. 2, the total amount of tax revenue 
generated as a result of counseling 5 or more hours is approximately 
$3.0 million in State taxes and $1.58 million in Federal tax revenues.
  The Women's Business Center--WBC--program, established by Congress in 
1988, promotes the growth of women-owned businesses through business 
training and technical assistance, and provides access to credit and 
capital, Federal contracts, and international trade opportunities. The 
WBC program served more than 144,000 clients across the country last 
year, providing help with financial management, procurement training, 
marketing and technical assistance. WBCs also provide specialized 
programs that include mentoring in various languages, Internet 
training, issues facing displaced workers, and rural home-based 
entrepreneurs. According to the SBA's 2008 budget submission, WBCs were 
responsible for creating or retaining over 6,800 jobs nationwide. I 
take great pride in the fact that my own State of Maine leads the way 
for women-owned businesses. Today, there are more than 63,000 women-
owned firms in Maine, employing over 75,000 Mainers and generating more 
than $9 billion in sales. We must all be committed to multiplying that 
story of success in every State in America.
  Service Corps of Retired Executives--SCORE--is a nonprofit 
association that matches business-management counselors with small 
business clients. SCORE volunteer counselors share their management and 
technical expertise with both existing and prospective small business 
owners. With its 10,500 member volunteer association sponsored by the 
SBA, and more than 389 service delivery points and a Web site, SCORE 
provides counseling to small businesses nationwide. The National SCORE 
organization delivers its services of business and technical assistance 
through a national network of chapters, an Internet counseling site, 
partnerships with SBA, the SBDCs and WBCs, and with the public/private 
sector. In 2006, SCORE counseled and trained over 300,000 clients.
  The bill being introduced today builds upon the aforementioned 
successes of SBA's Entrepreneurial Development programs, which counsels 
over 1.2 million small businesses and entrepreneurs each year through 
the expertise of the trained resource partners located across America.
  In addition to reauthorizing SBA's Entrepreneurial Development 
programs and increasing funding levels, this bill also addresses the 
crisis small businesses face when it comes to securing quality, 
affordable health insurance. In 4 of the past 5 years, health insurance 
costs have increased by double-digit percentage levels. This has led to 
a disturbing trend of fewer and fewer small businesses being able to 
offer health insurance to their employees. The Kaiser Family Foundation 
recently reported that only 47 percent of our Nation's smallest 
businesses--with less than 10 employees--are able to

[[Page S8088]]

offer health insurance as a workplace benefit. In stark contrast, 
health insurance is nearly universally offered at larger businesses.
  A key provision in this bill would establish a 4-year, pilot grant 
program to provide information, counseling, and educational materials 
to small businesses, through the well-established national framework of 
SBDCs. Recent research conducted by the non-partisan Healthcare 
Leadership Council found that with a short educational and counseling 
session, small businesses were up to 33 percent more likely to offer 
health insurance to their employees. My proposal is based on the Small 
Business Health Education and Awareness Act, which I introduced in the 
109th Congress with Senator Bennett, and plan to reintroduce this 
session with Senators Kerry and Bennett.
  Most American workers are employed by small and medium sized 
enterprises. It is these businesses that account for nearly 98 percent 
of the growth in exporter population--and are among the major 
beneficiaries when foreign barriers are reduced. Additionally, 97 
percent of exporters are small businesses. Over the last decade, the 
number of exports from small businesses increased by more than 250 
percent. Small businesses account for almost $300 billion of yearly 
export sales--nearly one-third of total U.S. exports.
  This bill establishes an Associate Administrator for International 
Trade, and expands the trade distribution network to include the United 
States Export Assistance Centers USEACs. In addition, this section 
ensures that all our Nation's small exporters have access to export 
financing. This provision establishes a floor of international finance 
specialists at level SBA had in January 2003. Finally, this provision 
increases the maximum loan guarantee amount to $2.75 million and 
specifies that the loan cap for international trade loans--ITLs--is 
$3.67 million, as well as sets out that working capital is an eligible 
use for loan proceeds. The bill also makes ITLs consistent with regular 
SBA 7(a) loans in terms of allowing the same collateral and refinancing 
terms as with regular 7(a) loans.
  The SBA's entrepreneurial development programs provide tremendous 
value for a relatively small investment. I am committed to ensuring 
that Americans have the necessary resources to start, grow, and develop 
a business. I believe that it is our duty to do everything possible to 
sustain prosperity and job creation throughout the United States. I 
urge my colleagues to support this vital piece of legislation.

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