The "POST IT Act" mandates the SBA to include hyperlinks to guidance documents explaining policies and regulations on its website, particularly for rules with a small entity compliance guide, while ensuring protection of confidential information. No additional funds will be allocated for this Act.
Jefferson Van Drew
Representative
NJ-2
The POST IT Act of 2025 aims to enhance transparency for small businesses by requiring the Small Business Administration (SBA) to include hyperlinks to guidance documents explaining policies, regulations, and technical issues on its website. This act focuses on rules with a small entity compliance guide, ensuring easier access to essential information for small businesses. The Act also clarifies that the SBA is not required to disclose information protected under section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code and that no additional funds will be approved for this act.
POST IT Act: SBA Website to Link Directly to Small Business Guidance, Starting Now
The Providing Opportunities to Show Transparency via Information Technology (POST IT) Act of 2025 mandates that the Small Business Administration (SBA) directly link to guidance documents on its website. This means small business owners will get easier access to explanations of policies, regulations, and technical issues, especially for rules requiring a small entity compliance guide. The law, effective immediately, applies to guidance or interpretations of rules for which a small entity compliance guide is produced on or after the date this Act is enacted (SEC. 2).
Navigating the New SBA Site
The core change is straightforward: The SBA's website will now include hyperlinks to all relevant guidance documents. This is particularly important for any new rules that come with a small entity compliance guide. Think of it like this: if you're a bakery owner trying to understand new health codes, the SBA site should now link directly to the documents explaining those codes in detail. Or, if you're running a small construction firm and need clarity on updated safety regulations, the relevant guidance should be just a click away.
What's Covered, What's Not
The POST IT Act aims to make life easier for small businesses by centralizing information. However, it’s not a blanket reveal-all. The SBA isn't required to disclose information protected under 5 U.S.C. 552(b), which covers things like national security information, internal personnel rules, and trade secrets. Essentially, if it's already legally protected from public view, this Act doesn't change that (SEC. 2). For example, internal SBA deliberations about a specific loan application, which might contain proprietary business information, would likely remain protected.
Real World Rollout and Budget
This is a transparency move, not a spending spree. The Act specifically prohibits allocating additional funds for its implementation (SEC. 3). This means the SBA has to work within its existing budget to make these website changes. While this keeps costs down, it might mean a slower rollout or reliance on existing staff and resources. The challenge will be how quickly and effectively the SBA can update its site without extra funding. The long-term impact? Potentially easier access to crucial information for small business owners, but it all hinges on how well the SBA manages the implementation without additional resources. This could be a boon for a freelance graphic designer needing clarity on tax regulations, or a small trucking company owner navigating new transportation rules – provided the SBA's website updates are comprehensive and user-friendly.