U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono of Hawaii, along with Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ranking Member Ed Markey, Senator Cory Booker, and Representative Ayanna Pressley, has introduced the Strengthening Place-based Access, Resources, and Knowledge (SPARK) Act. The legislation aims to boost entrepreneurship and expand opportunities for underserved entrepreneurs across the country.
The SPARK Act proposes the creation of two new programs: the SPARK Program, which would offer grant funding to community organizations that support small business accelerators and incubators; and the SPARK Financing Program, which would provide grants and low-cost loans directly to underserved small businesses.
“Hawaii is the most diverse state in the union and our small business owners and entrepreneurs reflect this diversity. Ensuring that these businesses have the support they need is critical to securing Hawaii’s economic future,” said Senator Hirono. “The Small Business Administration was designed to do just that—helping communities who otherwise may be excluded from economic opportunity to have the resources they need to thrive. This legislation builds on existing infrastructure to create a new program that provides grants to underserved entrepreneurs. I will keep fighting to secure long-term solutions that will support our next generation of business leaders.”
Senator Hirono has consistently supported underserved small businesses. In December, she expressed concern about audits by the Small Business Administration of its 8(a) Business Development program, which affected many socially and economically disadvantaged businesses reliant on government contracts for survival. Last year, she introduced the Native American Entrepreneurial and Opportunity Act, aiming to increase representation and financial resources for Native American-owned businesses—including those owned by tribal entities, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
Senator Hirono represents Hawaii in the U.S. Senate as both its first female senator and the first Asian American woman elected to this body. She has a background in law from Georgetown University Law Center and a degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Her work focuses on supporting veterans, servicemembers, immigrants, minorities, and underserved communities according to her official website. She also provides assistance with federal agency matters such as Social Security claims, veterans benefits, and immigration petitions.
Hirono immigrated from Japan to Hawaii as a child with her mother and brother (source).
