Posted May 23, 2024
Congresswoman Yadira Caraveo, M.D. (D-CO), the only Latina representing Colorado in Congress, along with Congressman David G. Valadao (R-CA) on May 16th announced her latest bipartisan action to support small business owners with limited English proficiency.
The Small Business Language Accessibility Act directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine whether Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) must provide translation resources in communities where it’s needed. Specifically, the legislation would direct SBDCs that serve business people with limited English proficiency to create appropriate language resources. Language support provided by this proposal would benefit nearly 773,000 entrepreneurs, including one-third of Hispanic entrepreneurs in the U.S.
The Small Business Language Accessibility Act is a direct response to the concerns small business owners shared with Congresswoman Caraveo. Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs voiced concerns about limited resources and guidance that is linguistically and culturally appropriate for them to run a successful business.
“Small business owners in the Front Range and Northern Colorado talked to me about the lack of multilingual resources for entrepreneurs and how this holds their businesses back from reaching their full potential.
This bill will provide small business owners with the language translation assistance and multilingual resources that they need. I am proud to be supporting them by breaking the language barriers that have been obstructing their dreams for far too long,” Caraveo stated.
“Removing language barriers for Spanish speakers is a crucial first step towards not only creating economic growth and development, but ensuring everyone can achieve the American dream,” said Congressman Valadao. “The Small Business Language Accessibility Act will give more people the resources they need to start businesses, achieve financial independence, and expand our local economy. I’m proud to join Rep. Caraveo in introducing this important legislation.”
“When it comes to small businesses, enhancing accessibility to resources and tools are key to their growth. This bill recognizes the imperative of the U.S. Small Business Administration to determine the need for language translation assistance of materials for its minority entrepreneurs. By reducing barriers, English fluency will expand with better translation options for all entrepreneurs thanks to SBA tools,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.
Read the full text of the bill here.
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