Federal grants would back small-business districts in underserved areas
In committeeH.R. 3585Latest action
Sponsor: Mike Ezell · Representative · MS
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Official title: Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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A new federal grant program would fund nonprofits that help local business districts in low-income, rural, minority, and Native communities.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would create a federal grant program run by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Grants would go to established nonprofits or similar organizations, which would then support local business district groups with training, operating costs, advice, and physical improvements to commercial areas. Grants must last at least two years and be spread across many geographic areas.
Who does it affect?
Small and local businesses in struggling communities, the nonprofits that serve them, and residents who depend on those commercial areas for goods, services, and jobs would be most directly affected.
Why does it matter?
Grant recipients would be required to report annually on spending, which businesses and districts were helped, and how many jobs were created or kept. Without the program, local business district groups in low-income and underserved communities would not have access to this source of funding and support.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 23, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · May 24, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.