Press Releases

Washington, DC – Yesterday, the Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a memorandum of understanding (MOU) stating their commitment to strengthening its partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Earlier this year, as first reported by The Missouri Times, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) introduced the SBA Rural Performance Report Act.

One of the provisions of this legislation requires a report on the MOU entered into by the SBA and USDA. It will also include:

·       How many working groups convened by the MOU the SBA was part of and if the SBA is still part of any of the working groups.

·       How many staff employed by the SBA were and are still involved with the working groups.

·       The findings of capital access and investment in rural America, as outlined in the MOU.

·       The findings of assisting business in rural America, as outlined in the MOU. 

Congressman Alford issued the following statement:

During a July Small Business Committee hearing, we examined rural entrepreneurship and the unique challenges rural small business owners face. I am proud to have had a resident of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District testify at that hearing. One of the topics discussed was the MOU signed by the SBA and USDA during President Trump’s Administration. 

Unfortunately, the Biden Administration allowed the MOU to expire in April.

Because we are unsure how the SBA is working with rural Americans, I introduced the SBA Rural Performance Report Act in August. One of its provisions requires a report on the original MOU signed by the SBA and USDA. As a member of both the Small Business and Agriculture Committees, I am glad the SBA felt urged to continue this cooperation with USDA. I will always fight for rural Americans and make sure they are never forgotten.”

Media inquiries for Rep. Alford should be directed to Austin Higginbotham at Austin.Higginbotham@mail.house.gov.