A BILL
To require the Administrator of the Small Business Administration to provide awards to recognize State and local governments that improve the process of forming a new business, and for other purposes.
“49. Awards for streamlining the process of business formation
“(a) In general—The Administrator shall, on an annual basis, provide 3 awards to recognize State and local governments that implement innovative and effective policies or tools to streamline processes related to the formation of small business concerns in their communities, of which—
“(1) 1 award shall be provided to a State or local government that represents a community of not less than 400,000 individuals;
“(2) 1 award shall be provided to a State or local government that represents a community of not less than 100,000 and less than 400,000 individuals; and
“(3) 1 award shall be provided to a State or local government that represents a community of less than 100,000 individuals.
“(b) Application—A State or local government seeking an award under subsection (a) shall submit to the Administrator an application at such time, containing such information, and in such manner as the Administrator may require.
“(c) Considerations—In providing an award under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider whether a State or local government streamlined the process described in subsection (a) by—
“(1) streamlining or reducing redundancies in paperwork, forms, or other written or online documents required to form a small business concern;
“(2) consolidating resources available to individuals looking to form a small business concern, such as through the creation of user-friendly online portals;
“(3) reducing duplication or inconsistencies in requirements between overlapping jurisdictions; or
“(4) innovatively making necessary procedures more streamlined or efficient.”