A Democratic bill with 3 Democratic cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The bill is cited as the "Startup Opportunity Accelerator Act of 2026" or the "SOAR Act". It amends the Small Business Act to create a program providing cash grants of at least $1,000,000 to eligible growth accelerators that support startup businesses. The program aims to help organizations provide entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and services to produce viable businesses. The bill requires the Administrator to award at least 50 percent of grant funds to accelerators located in specific areas or serving underrepresented groups, including women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Finally, it authorizes appropriations of $80,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2036 to carry out the program.
Yes· 3 of 20
- Scored +7
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The legislation provides substantial grant funding to growth accelerators to assist new small businesses with resources, mentorship, and operational space.
- Scored +6
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill directly supports growth accelerators and startup founders by providing crucial resources, mentorship, and infrastructure.
- Scored +5
Would Black Americans be better off under this?
The bill sets aside a significant portion of grant funds for accelerators serving socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, helping bridge the venture capital gap for minority-owned businesses.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Support for New Businesses: Section 49(b)(1) creates a program to award cash grants of not less than $1,000,000 to eligible entities to support new small business concerns. This helps organizations provide resources and services to entrepreneurs.
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Focus on Diverse and Underserved Entrepreneurs: Section 49(f) requires the Administrator to award not less than 50 percent of grant funds to accelerators that serve businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals, women, Native Americans, veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, or individuals with a disability. This promotes diversity in entrepreneurship.
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Access to Physical Space and Mentorship: Section 49(d)(1) gives priority to entities providing office, manufacturing, or warehouse space, access to capital, professional services, or a formal structured mentorship program. This helps new businesses build essential skills and competencies.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restriction on Direct Capital: Section 49(b)(2)(B) explicitly states that grant funds may not be used to provide capital to new small business concerns directly or through the subaward of funds. This means startups cannot receive direct cash distributions from these specific grant funds.
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Risk of Penalty for Non-Compliance: Section 49(h) establishes that failing to abide by the terms, conditions, or requirements of the grant may result in the Administrator withholding payments or ordering the eligible entity to return the grant funds. This places a strict compliance burden on the participating organizations.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill directly supports growth accelerators and startup founders by providing crucial resources, mentorship, and infrastructure. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill sets aside a significant portion of grant funds for accelerators serving socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, helping bridge the venture capital gap for minority-owned businesses. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — Accelerator funding prioritizes underrepresented minority entrepreneurs, directly benefiting Hispanic-owned startups. Would Native Americans be better off under this? — Native American-owned businesses are explicitly included among the target groups for the 50 percent funding allocation. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Veterans and transitioning service members are specifically designated as priority beneficiaries for the accelerator programs. Would women be better off under this? — The legislation mandates that a substantial share of grant funds be directed toward accelerators supporting women-owned businesses. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The legislation prioritizes accelerators serving economically disadvantaged individuals to help them build viable business ventures. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — Individuals with disabilities are included among the targeted populations to promote diversity in entrepreneurship. Would Asian Americans be better off under this? — The legislation supports minority-serving institutions and underrepresented founders in growing startup businesses. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The program helps expand startup resources beyond traditional coastal venture capital hubs into broader geographic areas.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow the gap between how men and women are treated? — The legislation specifically requires priority and funding allocations toward accelerators that support women-owned small businesses. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill mandates that at least 50 percent of grant funds go to accelerators serving underrepresented groups, including minorities and disadvantaged individuals. Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities? — The bill includes individuals with disabilities among the targeted underserved groups for accelerator support. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By supporting economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and historically underserved communities, the bill helps build pathways to economic self-sufficiency.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The legislation provides substantial grant funding to growth accelerators to assist new small businesses with resources, mentorship, and operational space. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill establishes a grant program for growth accelerators supporting startups, which historically drive net new job creation. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By funding startup accelerators and fostering new business ventures, the legislation encourages innovation and economic expansion.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill explicitly includes veterans and participants in the Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program among its priority groups for support.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The program extends accelerator funding opportunities to various geographic areas, helping foster entrepreneurship outside major venture capital hubs.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires annual progress reports and assessments to be submitted to Congress regarding the effectiveness of the grant program.
- 9/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware
Mazie HironoDemocrat · Hawaii
Chris Van HollenDemocrat · Maryland