Oversight of SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development

The House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on July 23, 2026, to oversee the Small Business Administration's (SBA) Office of Entrepreneurial Development (OED). The hearing focused extensively on the administration and funding of SBA entrepreneurial programs such as Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), Women's Business Centers (WBCs), SCORE, and the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Associate Administrator Paul Fitzpatrick testified about efforts to modernize the SBA's grant management system, which had caused delays in payments to resource partners, including a backlog of approximately $340 million in unpaid grants inherited from the previous administration. Fitzpatrick detailed steps taken to improve oversight, accountability, and transparency, including integrating grant and financial systems and consolidating grant management under the CFO's office. The hearing also addressed concerns about proposed budget cuts that would eliminate funding for most entrepreneurial development programs, the impact of delayed payments on service delivery, and efforts to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. Members discussed the importance of these programs in supporting small businesses, especially in underserved and rural communities, and the challenges posed by tariffs and economic uncertainty. Fitzpatrick emphasized the administration's commitment to efficient stewardship of taxpayer dollars and collaboration with Congress to improve program performance and legislative frameworks. No votes or motions were recorded during the hearing.