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Axios
7 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Native American programs protected from Trump's anti-DEI order, agencies say
Some Native American programs are exempt from President Trump's executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, according to at least three federal agencies. Why it matters: The U.S. federal government has several treaties with more than 500 tribal nations, and many involve promises based on race, culture, and equity with Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Driving the news: The U.S. Small Business Administration said Tuesday that the order targeting DEI does not affect its services provided to Indigenous communities, per Tribal Business News. SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis issued a note earlier this month saying that the executive order does not apply to the agency's programs serving Native Americans. "It would be unreasonable to read it as applying to (Native Americans and Alaska Natives) given that Tribes are separate sovereigns," Davis wrote. Context: The note was a clarification to SBA Chief of Staff Wesley Coopersmith, following a request from the Native American Contractors Association, Tribal Business News reports. Zoom in: That note follows a similar notice issued by the Department of Health and Human Services shortly after Trump signed his anti-DEI order in January. HHS said the order does not apply to Indian Health Service programs. The agency then said in February that the executive order didn't affect its other federal programs serving Indigenous populations. The Department of the Interior also said the executive orders do not affect its legal obligations to tribes. State of play: Trump's sweeping executive order, issued as soon as he took office, revoked decades of federal diversity and affirmative action practices. The order called for the "termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and 'diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility' (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government." Yes, but: Various treaties and agreements call for the federal government to provide health care and other services to Indigenous communities. The SBA, for example, oversees numerous programs designed to support Native American entrepreneurs and businesses. The Trump administration has still eliminated other programs for Native Americans.
Business Mayor
24-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Small Business Administration boosts manufacturing funding efforts
Dive Brief: The U.S. Small Business Administration is increasing funding opportunities to help small- and mid-sized manufacturers build, expand or enhance their operations. As part of its Made in America Manufacturing Initiative, the agency said it will provide three eligible applicants with up to $1.1 million total to deliver training and assistance to support small businesses in its Empower to Grow Program. Building on the initiative, legislation was recently introduced in both the House and Senate that would double the limits of 7(a) small business loans from $5 million to $10 million if approved by Congress. Dive Insight: President Donald Trump has made manufacturing a key pillar of his second term, with the SBA pledging to cut $100 billion in regulatory burdens and costs for small manufacturers as part of its Made in America initiative launched in March. The agency also said it would look to expand financing options and make it easier for people to qualify for small business loans. As part of its effort, the SBA announced a funding opportunity for organizations looking to help small manufacturers by offering free business courses, hands-on training and consulting to support growth in their operations and hiring. The SBA is looking to award up to $1.1 million to three applicants. Participants must be a for-profit or not-for-profit entity, including trade or professional associations and educational institutions. The deadline to submit proposals is May 12. 'With this new grant, the agency will accelerate the return of American supply chains, production power, and economic independence,' SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said in a statement. SBA 7(a) loan approvals skyrocketed 74% in the first 100 days of Trump's second term compared to the same period during former president Joe Biden's administration. The 7(a) program is a public-private partnership that offers guaranteed loans to help small businesses finance equipment purchases, acquisitions and working capital. In an effort to open up more funding to small businesses, Iowa Senator Joni Ernst and Texas Congressman Roger Williams introduced federal legislation that would increase the individual loan limits for 7(a) and 504 programs to $10 million. Similar proposals advocating for increased loan limits have failed over the years. So far this latest piece of legislation has received bipartisan support, including praise from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. 'Doubling the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) loan limit will free up capital small business owners use to increase employees' paychecks, broaden benefits, and expand operations,' Rodney Davis, head of government affairs at the Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Idaho lawmakers urge feds to move Small Business office from Seattle to their state
People walk past the headquarters of the U.S. Small Business Administration on March 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Photo by) All four Idaho Republican congressmen want the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, to move its Pacific Northwest regional office from Seattle to Idaho. In March, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced plans to relocate six of the agency's regional offices based in cities 'that do not comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.' The SBA's Region 10 Office, based in Seattle, covers four states: Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska. In a joint letter, U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, and U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher wrote, 'unlike other states served by the Seattle Office, Idaho has demonstrated a strong commitment to putting American citizens first. Our state has enacted a statewide ban on sanctuary cities, and the Idaho Congressional Delegation has repeatedly worked to prevent illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities from abusing federal funding.' The SBA is a federal government agency that helps small businesses get loans. 'By relocating the regional office to Idaho, the SBA would ensure its services align with President Trump's priorities, directly benefitting law-abiding business owners,' the Idaho congressmen continued. The SBA has district offices across the U.S. Idaho's counties are split between being managed by the Boise District and the Seattle District. idaho SBA letter A copy of the letter that the four Idaho congressional lawmakers sent to Small Business Administration lead Kelly Loeffler. This article was first published by the Idaho Capital Sun, part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Idaho Capital Sun maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Christina Lords for questions: info@
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Shapiro backing flood relief loans; Shade Township bridge closed
CAIRNBROOK – The May 13 flooding will close another Somerset County bridge. And Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Wednesday his office will support an effort to help flood-battered Somerset County residents and businesses acquire Small Business Association aid. 'Committed to helping' Shapiro's support is another crucial step into acquiring multiple funding resources, emergency officials said Wednesday. For county residents impacted by the May 13 flood to receive low interest repair loans, Shapiro made a formal request to the U.S. Small Business Administration for the final clearance to make financial aid available. 'The flooding in southwestern Pennsylvania has been devastating, and the Shapiro administration has been on the ground providing support every day since the storm struck.' said Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield. Members of Padfield's staff have been conducting assessments in eight Somerset County communities that declared disasters as a precursor to the possibility of additional state support. That's included visits to Meyersdale, Garrett and Elk Lick Township, among others. 'Never seen it this bad': As Garrett strives to ease flood woes, council's own property among hard-hit areas For flood-battered Garrett Borough, one of the hardest-hit areas was the borough government's own backyard. The storm last week turned Garrett Community Park into a lake and the borough's office into a downstream drain. 'The Shapiro administration remains committed to helping Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild stronger than before, which is why we are working to secure federal low-interest loans as a tool to ensure homeowners and business owners have the support they need and can recoup unforeseen losses,' Padfield added. If approved, qualified renters, homeowners, private nonprofits and businesses within disaster declared areas could receive up to $500,000 in low-interest loans for residential repair and replacement. Loans up to $100,000 are possible for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses could receive larger loans – up to $2 million – 'to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.' Somerset County commissioners outline disaster recovery fund plan, make $10,000 donation The Somerset County commissioners will rely on an advisory board and eight flood-damaged communities to decide how a new disaster recovery fund is spent, they said Tuesday. Somerset County Emergency Management officials estimated earlier this week that at least six businesses reported first-floor flood damage in the southern part of the county. Somerset County EMA Director Joel Landis said his office was awaiting updates on a decision. County-owned bridge closed The deteriorating Shade Township bridge was already in line for replacement in the coming years, but last week's storm fast-tracked its closure, the county's EADS Group Engineer Andy Fedorko said. An area resident reported concerns about the span, which carries Whispering Pines Road over Dark Shade Creek, he said. A follow-up inspection showed one of the bridge's stone mansonary abutments further deteriorated from storm flooding, damaging mortar and causing additional material to break loose, he said. It made a bad problem worse on a bridge that previous saw its weight limit decreased to 3 tons due to preexisting concerns, Fedorko said. PHOTO GALLERY | 'We can't do it alone': Garrett hopes for help as state teams survey flood-hit areas in precursor to possible aid Don Hostetler's family bar survived Prohibition and generations of change in Garrett. On Monday, Hostetler was trying to figure out how Dub's Bar and Grill will survive four feet of floodwater from Buffalo Creek. Rockingham is one of several county bridges that have been closed over the past two years due to maintenance needs – most of which are set for repair or replacement projects. It's also one of at least three local bridges – county, state or township – that are now out of service due to damage inflicted by May 13 flooding. Further south, an emergency action plan is underway to build a temporary bridge in Boynton to enable U.S. Route 219 traffic to continue through the corridor. Design work for a new bridge at the Rockingham site was already in progress, and Fedorko said construction could start in fall 2026. Detours for the closure will be minimal, he said. 'Resource' support A pop-up emergency 'resource center' announced Monday for Somerset County will include a list of state agencies able to answer questions – and potentially provide support for flood-hit residents. Flood relief resource center planned in Meyersdale Somerset County is planning a one-stop shop to connect residents of hard-hit communities with flood relief resources. The resource center will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday at Meyersdale Volunteer Fire Department, 202 Main St., Meyersdale. Landis and county emergency management staff organized the resource center to make it easier for Somerset County residents to get support, regardless of their post-flooding issues. Padfield said state agencies are joining the three-day event, recognizing it's a 'crucial time' for many people. Some of the resources provided by organizations staffing the resource center can help with replacing vital documents such as birth certificates and driver's licenses, checking insurance coverage for damages, trauma/crisis response and mental health resources, state officials said. Others can provide benefits and disabilities support, tax assistance, tips on how to avoid scams, and other recovery information. 'Key county agencies will be on hand to provide our residents with access to needed programs and services during this critical period of recovery,' Somerset County President Commissioner Brian Fochtman said. 'We are pleased to work in partnership with the commonwealth to ensure they receive all of the help they need.' PHOTO GALLERY | Somerset County residents reeling as floodwaters recede; officials document damage to provide aid Fueled by a full day of intense rain, the rapidly rising Casselman River filled Mark Smith's Mount Davis Road auto shop and nearby homes. Officials toured hard-hit areas Wednesday, going from property to property to document damage. Pennsylvania's departments of Aging, Agriculture and Health, Environmental Protection, Human Services and Transportation are attending. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department and Office of Attorney General also will have representatives at the center.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Citing sanctuary cities, delegation urges Small Business office move from Seattle to Idaho
People walk past the headquarters of the U.S. Small Business Administration in the Southwest Federal Center area on March 24, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Even after announcing that loans and grants formerly managed by the Department of Education will be transferred to the SBA, President Donald Trump announced that the SBA is cutting around 43% of its workforce, or about 2,700 positions. (Photo by) All four Idaho Republican congressmen want the U.S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, to move its Pacific Northwest regional office from Seattle to Idaho. In March, SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler announced plans to relocate six of the agency's regional offices based in cities 'that do not comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.' The SBA's Region 10 Office, based in Seattle, covers four states: Idaho, Washington, Oregon and Alaska. In a joint letter, U.S. Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, and U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher wrote, 'unlike other states served by the Seattle Office, Idaho has demonstrated a strong commitment to putting American citizens first. Our state has enacted a statewide ban on sanctuary cities, and the Idaho Congressional Delegation has repeatedly worked to prevent illegal immigrants and sanctuary cities from abusing federal funding.' The SBA is a federal government agency that helps small businesses get loans. 'By relocating the regional office to Idaho, the SBA would ensure its services align with President Trump's priorities, directly benefitting law-abiding business owners,' the Idaho congressmen continued. The SBA has district offices across the U.S. Idaho's counties are split between being managed by the Boise District and the Seattle District. C75BE3BE8F183C616ACF5DE622320AE7F8CE2B91E5ED2C7E83DADE3C5618590C.250520—idaho-delegation-letter—seattle-office-relocation SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
