Bill · S. 5198· Senate(119-S-5198)
Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026
- Introduced
- 7/30/2026
- Last activity
- 7/30/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Todd Young
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to amend the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980. This bill seeks to reauthorize the regional innovation program and provides for future funding. It modifies the definition of a venture development organization to include increasing access to capital for innovation-based businesses. The legislation also adjusts cost-sharing rules and mandates outreach to specific types of communities. Finally, it authorizes $50,000,000 for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 to carry out these functions.
Yes· 3 of 11
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+7
The bill enhances support for start-ups and innovation-centered businesses through venture development organizations.
Would business owners be better off under this?+7
The bill specifically supports start-ups and innovation-centered businesses through direct financing and support.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+6
By funding regional innovation and increasing access to capital, the bill aims to stimulate economic prosperity.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Access to Capital: The bill adds a requirement for venture development organizations to increase access to capital to invest in innovation-based business ventures within their geographic region (Section 2, subsection a, paragraph 1, subparagraph A).
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Business and Entrepreneurial Support: The revised definition of a venture development organization includes providing direct financing to private innovation-centered businesses, services to accelerate research commercialization, and tailored entrepreneurial support for founders and start-ups (Section 2, subsection a, paragraph 1, subparagraph B).
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Targeted Outreach: The Secretary is required to conduct outreach to encourage participation from rural communities, communities negatively impacted by trade, and areas with persistent economic distress (Section 2, subsection a, paragraph 1, subsection (5)(6)).
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Workforce Development Collaboration: Outreach will also target entities that agree to collaborate with local workforce investment area boards to perform training or workforce activities (Section 2, subsection a, paragraph 1, subsection (5)(6)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Financial Responsibility for Activities: While the Federal share of costs can include an additional amount based on regional needs, the base Federal share is capped at 50 percent (Section 2, subsection a, paragraph 1, subsection (5)(5)).
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Funding Dependency on Appropriations: The implementation of these initiatives is subject to the availability of appropriations (Section 2, subsection a, paragraph 1, subsection (3)(A)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+7Improves Economic Growth+6Increases Job Creation+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+7Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Union Workers+3Good For Low Income Households+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- Healthcare
- Increases Research Funding+4
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+3
- 7/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware