Bill Overview
Title: Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2022
Description: This bill directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to designate a senior Office of Investment and Innovation employee as broadband and emerging information technology coordinator, and it establishes measures to aid the competitiveness and productivity of small businesses through broadband access and other emerging information technologies. The coordinator's responsibilities shall include (1) identifying best practices relating to broadband and emerging information technology that may help small businesses; and (2) coordinating SBA programs that assist small businesses in adopting, making innovations in, and using broadband and other emerging information technologies. The coordinator must also provide training to familiarize its employees with broadband and other emerging technologies. Further, the SBA must report on (1) its programs and activities relating to broadband and emerging information technologies, and (2) the impact of broadband and emerging information technology deployment on small businesses. The bill also requires Small Business Development Centers to assist small businesses in accessing broadband and other emerging information technology.
Sponsors: Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]
Target Audience
Population: people in small businesses worldwide
Estimated Size: 33000000
- The bill focuses on small businesses and their access to broadband and emerging information technology.
- There are approximately 400 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) worldwide, according to the World Bank.
- Consideration must be given to the fact that not all small businesses will be impacted equally; some areas might have better broadband access than others.
- Emerging information technologies are relevant globally, but the adoption rate can vary significantly across different regions.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to enhance the competitiveness and productivity of small businesses by improving their access to broadband and other emerging information technologies.
- Small businesses in rural areas or those with limited access to high-speed internet are likely to see the most benefit from this policy.
- The policy may have varying levels of impact based on the current level of broadband access and technological adoption within different regions and industries.
- Small Business Development Centers will play a critical role in assisting small businesses, which may lead to increased awareness and utilization of these resources.
- Training efforts can uplift both the current workforce's skills and help in future workforce planning, particularly in tech-driven industries.
- Given the budget constraints, not all small businesses will be able to access these improvements immediately, likely prioritizing businesses in greater need or those with potential for impactful technological integration.
Simulated Interviews
Owner of a small manufacturing plant (Rural Ohio)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm hopeful that this policy will finally help us get decent internet speeds out here.
- With better internet, I can process orders faster and explore new online services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Owner of a tech startup (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy seems more beneficial for newer or less tech-savvy businesses.
- I'm unsure how much value the additional SBA resources will bring us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Retail store owner (Denver, CO)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Hopefully, better internet can help our online sales catch up with local demand.
- Access to training could help me understand how to better use technology in business.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Freelance graphic designer (New York, NY)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy supports broader access but isn't as crucial for someone like me.
- My needs for fast internet are already met.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Small bookshop owner (Albuquerque, NM)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I might finally be able to set up an online store with better broadband.
- It's high time to boost our tech knowledge, hopefully with the SBA's help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Agricultural business owner (Rural Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 9.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better internet can significantly improve our operational efficiency and data management.
- I'm eager for what new technologies can bring to agriculture.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Consultant (Chicago, IL)
Age: 27 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Many of my clients could benefit from improved broadband.
- I can see the potential for enhanced competitiveness through technology.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Owner of an eco-friendly products startup (Portland, OR)
Age: 36 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Additional support could help us explore newer technologies, keeping us ahead.
- Engagement with Small Business Development Centers could highlight useful resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Logistics company owner (Miami, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any technological advantage can improve our margins.
- This policy might allow for collaborations beneficial to our tech team.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Co-owner of a local brewery (Burlington, VT)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better broadband could improve our reach and efficiency.
- We're looking forward to the additional support in new tech integrations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $100000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $160000000 (Low: $110000000, High: $210000000)
Year 3: $170000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $220000000)
Year 5: $180000000 (Low: $130000000, High: $230000000)
Year 10: $200000000 (Low: $150000000, High: $250000000)
Year 100: $300000000 (Low: $250000000, High: $350000000)
Key Considerations
- The quality and coverage of broadband vary significantly across different U.S. regions, impacting the potential effectiveness of the policy.
- The capability of the SBA to effectively train and adapt its workforce to the demands of managing emerging technologies will be vital for the bill's success.
- The degree to which small businesses can integrate new technologies depends on external economic conditions and individual business willingness to adopt changes.