Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
Introduced
Summary
Would reauthorize and fund the Regional Innovation Program to expand capital for startups and regional innovation. It would broaden who counts as a venture development organization and align the program with Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs.
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- Startups and founders: Would increase access to capital and hands-on services by allowing venture development organizations to provide direct financing, commercialization support, and tailored entrepreneurial assistance in defined regions.
- Rural and distressed communities and workforce: Would require outreach to rural areas, communities negatively impacted by trade, and persistently distressed places, and encourage collaboration with local workforce boards. Federal cost share would not exceed 50 percent plus an additional amount up to 40 percent based on area need.
- States and nonprofits, and federal funding: Would redefine venture development organizations as State or nonprofit entities with a measured regional economic mission. It would authorize $50 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and let the agency obligate previously unobligated funds to carry out the program.
*Would authorize $50 million per year for 2026–2030 and permit use of prior unobligated funds to support the program.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More support for regional startups
If enacted, the bill would reauthorize and expand the Build to Scale regional innovation program. It would authorize $50 million per year for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. The Secretary would be allowed to obligate and spend prior fiscal-year funds that remain unobligated. The bill would broaden which state and nonprofit "venture development organizations" qualify and add the Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation as referenced partners. Federal grants would cover up to 50% of project costs, and the Secretary could add up to 40% more for higher-need areas. The bill would require the Secretary to pursue initiatives and to do outreach to rural places, communities hurt by trade, persistently distressed areas, and entities that work with local workforce boards, subject to available appropriations.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Stevens, Haley M. [D-MI-11]
MI • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Baird, James R. [R-IN-4]
IN • R
Sponsored 5/15/2026
Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
MO • D
Sponsored 5/15/2026
Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]
MO • R
Sponsored 5/15/2026
Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1]
OR • D
Sponsored 5/15/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov