WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Ellzey joined his colleagues in passing H.R. 6591 – the Encouraging Success Act

The Small Business Administration (SBA) - 8a program was established in the 1970s to help disadvantaged small businesses compete with large corporations for U.S. Government contracts. Unfortunately, when the value of the small business grows above a certain level (currently $6,500,000) that business is automatically forced out of the program.  The current value cap does not reflect changing market conditions and inadvertently removes companies that are succeeding, but still have a valid need for the program. H.R. 6581 requires the Small Business Administration to assess the program’s asset threshold every four years to ensure it is in line with market conditions and allow these small businesses to compete on a level playing field.

“This bill improves the SBA-8a program and promotes the success of small businesses by ensuring that small businesses are allowed to grow big enough to compete with larger companies by the time their participation in the program ends,” said Ellzey. “Today, the House showed our support for small businesses who are winning and growing while ensuring they are not punished for their success.”