Small Business Centers Tasked with Connecting Skilled Trade Grads to Jobs and Startup Support

This bill, the "Connecting Small Businesses with Career and Technical Education Graduates Act," aims to forge stronger links between local businesses and skilled workers emerging from trade programs. It amends the Small Business Act to officially add new responsibilities for Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and Women's Business Centers (WBCs).

Bridging the Skills Gap

Under this legislation, both SBDCs and WBCs would be directed to actively help small businesses find and hire graduates from career and technical education (CTE) programs. The bill uses the established definition of CTE from the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, ensuring everyone's working from the same playbook. Think of it this way: if a local construction firm needs more certified electricians, they could potentially turn to their local SBDC for help connecting with recent grads from a nearby technical college's electrical program.

Launchpad for New Grads

It's not just about finding jobs for CTE grads; it's also about helping them create their own. The bill explicitly tasks SBDCs and WBCs with assisting CTE program graduates who want to launch their own small businesses. So, that same recent electrical grad, if they dream of starting their own contracting service, could theoretically get guidance on business plans, funding, and navigating regulations from their local WBC or SBDC. The goal is to leverage these existing support networks to boost both employment and entrepreneurship for those with hands-on skills.