Small Business Workforce Pipeline Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill updates the rules for Small Business Development Centers, which are local offices that provide free coaching to entrepreneurs. These centers would now be required to help small business owners understand how to set up and improve apprenticeship and job training programs.
• The goal is to help small businesses find and train the workers they need. Many small companies struggle to hire skilled staff, so this policy encourages them to create 'work-based learning' opportunities where employees can learn new skills while they are on the clock.
• Small Business Development Centers will act as a bridge by sharing information from the Department of Labor. They will provide specific details on how to start registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship programs, and other formal training paths that meet federal standards.
• This change does not create a new government agency. Instead, it adds a new responsibility to existing centers that already help millions of small business owners across the country, making it easier for local shops and startups to access federal workforce resources.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.