News
Raising Awareness of the Issues Impacting Microbusinesses and Underserved Entrepreneurs

AEO Newsroom
Our Communications team works with media and digital partners to bring awareness of issues that impact microbusinesses and underserved entrepreneurs into the national conversation.
If you are a reporter on deadline please contact [email protected].
Policy News

Policy News – April 8, 2021
The U.S. Small Business Administration will officially open the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) application portal tomorrow, April 8, 2021 at 12 p.m. EDT for operators of live venues, live performing arts organizations, museums and movie theatres, as well as...

Policy News – March 25, 2021
Today at 2:30PM ET, the Committee on Small Business will hold a virtual hearing on the oversight of SBA’s COVID-19 relief programs which have collectively provided more than $900 billion in aid. Among others, programs covered in the hearing will include: Economic...

Policy News – March 18, 2021
Yesterday, House Republicans are expected to discuss and may vote lifting the ban on earmarks. This vote follows a robust discussion held last week on the issue. Yesterday The U.S. Department of Labor announced a Summer Data Challenge competition, created for scholars...

Policy News – March 11, 2021
Yesterday, The House took a final vote on the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, where it was passed. After the bill is signed by President Biden, this will bring United States Coronavirus response funding to a total of $5.5 trillion. This fact sheet was released by...

Policy News – March 4, 2021
Debate continues on the American Rescue Plan, with Senate Democrats largely ready to pass the measure. A "vote-a-rama" is expected to occur Thursday evening, with Senate Republicans set to flood the chamber with unlimited amendments, which could reshape some of the...

Policy News – February 25, 2021
On Monday, the House Budget Committee passed the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill in a 19-16 vote and a floor vote is expected this week. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has expressed confidence the measure will pass in the Senate before unemployment benefits...

Biden-Harris Administration Increases Lending to Small Businesses in Need & Announces Changes to PPP to Further Promote Equitable Access to Relief
The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) applauds the Administration for utilizing targeted-based approaches to implement necessary changes in federal small business relief programs.

Policy News – February 18, 2021
Last week, nine House committees held budget hearings on a potential $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package. The House Budget Committee is expected to combine the various pieces of legislation into a reconciliation vehicle. House Democrats plan to hold a full vote next...

Policy News – February 11, 2021
RECONCILIATION MARKUP... Yesterday, the House Committee on Small Business will hold a hybrid markup providing for reconciliation pursuant to S.Con.Res. 5, the Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2021. A section by section summary can be viewed here. ...

Policy News – February 4, 2021
A group of Republican Senators met with President Biden last night to discuss a potential middle ground for another COVID relief bill. President Biden has promoted a $1.9 trillion measure proposed in January. The plan builds on prior COVID relief measures but...
Press Releases

AEO Applauds Legislators for Passing American Rescue Plan
In keeping with our mission to work with policymakers and Washington officials in their endeavor to provide adequate pandemic resources and capital to the most vulnerable communities, AEO is proud to have advocated for and championed several of the new provisions within the new economic relief package.
AEO Congratulates Administrator of the Small Business Administration Isabel Guzman after Senate Confirmation
Today, the Senate confirmed Isabel Guzman to serve as the 27th administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
AEO Congratulates Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen After Senate Confirmation
This week the Senate confirmed Janet Yellen appointment to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury, making her the first woman to lead the agency in its 232-year history.
PayPal Announces Additional $5 Million Grant Program for Black-Owned Businesses as COVID-19 Crisis Continues
Grants extend PayPal’s $530 million commitment made to support and empower Black-owned businesses, strengthen minority communities and fight economic inequality

AEO Announces $250M Commitment At the Clinton Presidential Center
Former Secretary Jack Lew gave us an important data point. There are 8,000 declines each business day for people seeking business credit from traditional banks. AEO launched myWay to Credit after winning the first Innovation Award sponsored by the CDFI Fund at...
AEO in the News
NONPROFIT TO GIVE UP TO $50,000 TO COLLABORATORS HELPING BLACK BUSINESSES
Black Enterprise – August 6, 2018
How Banks Can Turn SMB Loan Rejections Into Opportunities
PMNTS.com – May 8, 2018
AEO Cosponsors White House Briefing on the American Jobs Plan Today, Apr. 13th at 4:30 PM ET Sign Up To Participate at ow.ly/qcr450EnvHp #smallbiz #smallbusiness #smallbizz #sba