Fighting For Small Businesses

Helping Small Businesses Succeed

Senator Mikulski works hard to provide opportunities for small businesses:

• Fought for reducing fees on 7(a) and 504 loans to make them more affordable for small business.
• Supported legislation that doubled the percentage that Departments and Agencies must set aside for Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR).
• Worked to double the amount of research dollars available to small high-tech businesses.
• Championed increase in funding for Manufacturing Extension Program, helping small manufacturing businesses gain new technology.
• Supported bill to make sure SBA loan assistance would go to small businesses impacted by terrorist attacks.

Fighting for Equal Opportunity

Senator Mikulski fights hard to help small and minority- owned businesses:

• Supports 8(a) program which helps disadvantaged and minority businesses compete for federal contracting dollars.
• Fighting to protect and fund Small Business Development Centers which offer a one-stop shop for assistance and guidance for small businesses.
• Supporting increased funding for Minority Business Development Agency for FY'04 of $28.7 Million.

Fighting to Level the Playing Field

Senator Mikulski fights to help small businesses compete:

• Leading the fight for Small Business Health Care Insurance, which gives businesses a 50% tax credit for providing their employees with health insurance.
• Supports Broadband Tax Credit that provides a 20% tax credit to small businesses that invest in broadband high-speed Internet infrastructure.
• Fighting to help small businesses with the cost of developing new technology through research and experimentation tax credit.
• Supports tax credits for start-up costs and employer contributions to small business pension programs.
• Working for tax incentives for small businesses investing in empowerment zones.