Blackburn, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Young Entrepreneurs

Blackburn, Cortez Masto Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Support Young Entrepreneurs
April 8, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –
U.S. Senators
Marsha Blackburn
(R-Tenn.) and
Catherine Cortez Masto
(D-Nev.) introduced legislation to connect students enrolled in 21
st
Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) with mentors from the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) to develop their professional skills in entrepreneurship.
CCLC is a federal program that supports local afterschool and summer learning programs for students with high potential at under-resourced schools. SCORE’s more than 11,000 volunteer counselors – working or retired business owners – provide business advice to entrepreneurs. Research has shown that exposure to entrepreneurship during childhood increases the likelihood of becoming an entrepreneur as an adult.
“Tennessee is known for having a robust creative and entrepreneurial community,”
said Senator Blackburn.
“The
21
st
Century Entrepreneurship Act
would ensure that Tennessee’s entrepreneurs of tomorrow have someone to guide them today by encouraging entrepreneurship that results in the creation of new jobs, fosters economic growth, and improves quality of life.”
“A child’s zip code shouldn’t determine whether they are exposed to the mentors that can help them develop the skills to become innovators and business owners,”
said Senator Cortez Masto.
“This legislation will help young entrepreneurs in every corner of the Silver State get the advice and training they need to drive Nevada’s future.”
BACKGROUND
The
21
st
Century Entrepreneurship Act
would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to develop an entrepreneurship curriculum for CCLC and encourage SCORE volunteers to partner with local chapters to provide training and mentorship.
It would also amend the
Small Business Act
and the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act
to ensure these partnerships fall within the mission of each agency.
Click
here
for bill text.
https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/4/jobs/blackburn-cortez-masto-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-support-young-entrepreneurs