Press Releases

Binghamton, NY – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) today introduced the Rural Innovation and Small Business Expansion (RISE) Act to expand opportunities for rural entrepreneurship across Upstate New York. The bill was introduced alongside Bennie Thompson (D-MS-2).

Reports show a significant number of rural businesses face a lack of capital access that limits growth, ongoing labor shortages, and difficulty accessing new markets and customers. Rep. Molinaro’s bipartisan bill addresses these issues by creating a partnership between the Small Business Administration, the Appalachian Regional Commission, and the Delta Regional Authority. The partnership will be directed to promote and expand critical rural entrepreneurship opportunities and provide tailored solutions to support our rural small business owners.

Rep. Molinaro said, "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. But with today’s economic conditions, they’re in trouble. As a member on the House Small Business Committee, I’ve worked to raise the voices of Upstate New York small businesses in Washington and now I’m introducing legislation that directly responds to issues they’re facing. Rural small business owners need tailored solutions, and my bipartisan bill delivers the specialized assistance they need to thrive."