California Small Business Development Technical Assistance Expansion Act of 2018.
The bill's amendments focus on streamlining the operations of the California Small Business Development Technical Assistance Expansion Program, which provides consulting and training aimed at fostering small business growth. By requiring GO-Biz to clearly delineate the funding process and performance metrics, AB 1807 intends to make small business resources more accessible, particularly for those in low-wealth or disaster-impacted communities. The impact of this bill could lead to greater levels of support and assistance for businesses that are historically underserved, ultimately contributing to more equitable economic development across California.
Assembly Bill 1807, known as the California Small Business Development Technical Assistance Expansion Act of 2018, aims to enhance the existing framework for supporting small businesses in California through improved funding processes and operational guidelines. The bill amends several sections of the Government Code to ensure that the Grants Office (GO-Biz) has a clear mandate to prioritize funding for applications that serve underserved business groups, including women, minority, and veteran-owned businesses. The legislation seeks to facilitate small business growth by mandating that GO-Biz improve its proposal requests and disclose necessary information to the public, including grant award specifics and proposal processes.
The sentiment surrounding AB 1807 appears largely positive among supporters, who believe it represents a significant step toward creating a more inclusive business environment in California. Advocates for small business development emphasize the importance of targeted assistance towards underserved communities. However, there may be some contention regarding the prioritization criteria for funding, as not all stakeholders may agree on which groups should be classified as 'underserved', raising concerns about potential biases in resource distribution.
Despite its positive reception, AB 1807 also faces scrutiny regarding the practical execution of its mandates, particularly concerning how effectively GO-Biz will implement the new requirements. Critics argue that without robust oversight, the program could still fall short of its goals, allowing for inconsistencies in funding allocation. Additionally, questions about long-term sustainability of funding for the program and the effectiveness of the assistance provided to small businesses remain central to discussions about this bill. It is critical to monitor the outcomes of the program as it rolls out new initiatives to ensure accountability and transparency.