H.R. 2099: To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to authorize a study to review specific outcomes of entrepreneurial skills development programs, and for other purposes.

This bill proposes amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) with the purpose of incorporating and enhancing entrepreneurial skills development programs. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill intends to do:

1. Inclusion of Entrepreneurs in Workforce Development

The bill aims to update the definitions in WIOA to explicitly include entrepreneurs alongside jobseekers as a target group for job training and workforce development programs. It adds provisions for:

• The development of entrepreneurial skills and microenterprise services.

2. Identification of Training Providers

It expands the responsibilities of local workforce development boards to identify eligible providers to include those that specifically offer entrepreneurial skills development programs.

3. Local Employment and Training Activities

This section revises what local employment and training activities can include, adding:

• Information on entrepreneurship.
• Referrals to microenterprise services.
• Resources to support entrepreneurship in listings of available services.
• Opportunities related to entrepreneurship in job listings and workplace contexts.

4. Evaluations and Research

The bill mandates the Secretary of Labor to conduct a three-year multistate study on entrepreneurial skills development programs. This study will:

• Assess effective practices for fostering entrepreneurial skills.
• Document best mentoring practices for potential entrepreneurs.
• Identify qualifications needed for providers to effectively teach entrepreneurship.
• Explore engagement strategies with employers and private sector partners.
• Examine program outcomes correlated with entrepreneurial success.
• Measure participant progress within these programs.
• Assess the economic and community impact of these programs.
• Evaluate the impact on business development and job creation.
• Review how well programs identify the readiness of participants.
• Monitor the earnings of participants three years post-completion.

The findings will lead to recommendations for expanding access to these entrepreneurial programs in different states and communities.

5. Adjustments to Demonstration and Pilot Projects

It includes updates to permit projects that promote not just job creation but also:

• Self-employment and entrepreneurship.
• Career pathways and advancements.

Relevant Companies

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