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US SB3876

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/12/2026

Primary Sponsor

Edward Markey

Click for details

Origin

Senate

119th Congress

AI Summary

  • Creates the "Spark Program" requiring the SBA Administrator to enter into 5-year cooperative agreements (renewable for 3-year periods) with eligible entities operating incubators, accelerators, or small business innovation projects, providing minimum $500,000 annually per entity

  • Targets underserved communities including women, socially/economically disadvantaged individuals, veterans, individuals with disabilities, rural areas, tribal members, formerly incarcerated individuals, and businesses in low/moderate-income areas

  • Establishes the "Spark Financing Program" providing financial assistance to covered entities to make grants (up to $20,000 per small business) or below-market-rate loans to covered small business concerns in underserved communities or economically distressed areas

  • Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) organizations, community development financial institutions, minority depository institutions, microlenders, certified development companies, HBCUs, tribal colleges, and community colleges

  • Requires annual reporting to Congress on program outcomes including participant demographics, capital accessed, jobs created, and retention rates, with SBA authorized to use up to 10% of appropriated funds for administrative expenses

Legislative Description

SPARK Act Strengthening Place-based Access, Resources, and Knowledge Act

Last Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

2/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Small Business And Entrepreneurship2/12/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available