WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) today introduced the Small Business Disaster Coordination Act to improve on the ground support for small businesses affected by disasters.

This bill would allow Small Business Administration (SBA) resource partners to assist businesses outside their usual service areas in an emergency. The Small Business Disaster Coordination Act would also require the SBA to work with these partners on disaster planning and response, ensuring local networks can share recovery-related information. 

“From catastrophic wildfires to disastrous flooding, SBA resource partners stand ready to assist small businesses in times of emergency,” said Risch. “By expanding opportunities for these partners to help through my Small Business Disaster Coordination Act, we can ensure that the small businesses vital to our communities and economy stick around for years to come.”

“Wherever disasters strike, it has to be all-hands-on-deck,” said Cantwell. “This bill will ensure SBA partners such as Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, and Women’s Business Centers can work with local partners to assist small businesses as they recover.”

Risch and Cantwell are joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), and Michael Bennett (D-Colo.) in introducing the legislation.

The Small Business Disaster Coordination Act has received support from America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), SCORE, and the Association of Women’s Business Centers.