Rep. Julia Letlow (R-LA) and Rep. Chris Deluzio (DPA) have introduced legislation to boost rural economic development by better coordinating federal-state partnerships designed to promote entrepreneurship.
The Growing Regional Entrepreneurship and Access To Economic Resilience Act would create a partnership between the Small Business Administration, the Delta Regional Authority, and the Appalachian Regional Commission to support rural small business owners and expand entrepreneurship opportunities.
Letlow’s district falls within the Delta Regional Authority’s service area, while Deluzio’s district is covered by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Both organizations bring together federal and state governments to support infrastructure investment, workforce training, and economic development activities in their respective regions.
“Small businesses are the engines of job creation in our rural communities, and this bill would provide more support for skills training and job creation in Louisiana and places across the country,” said Letlow. “While America’s rural communities often look and feel different, they face many of the same economic challenges. With more tailored solutions and cooperation, we can provide more opportunities for future generations.”
Businesses in rural regions often suffer from a lack of access to capital and new markets, as well as ongoing labor shortages.
“America’s small businesses are the economic and cultural centers of our communities,” said Deluzio. “These entrepreneurs and workers provide the critical services that folks count on in so many Western Pennsylvania communities. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to help federal agencies collaborate to grow out rural entrepreneurship support programs for small business owners in the Appalachian and Delta regions— including workplace training programs.”
