PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jan 28, 2014
Community Investment and Empowerment Act - Amends the Small Business Investment Act of 1958 to authorize the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make grants on a competitive basis to communities for: the creation of a grant and/or revolving loan fund program that helps develop financing packages for Class 1 commercial investment (defined as retail grocery chains, food service retailers, restaurants and franchises, retail stores, cafes, shopping malls, and other shops);
lowering real estate property tax rates;
conducting community-wide market analysis to help recruit and/or retain Class 1 commercial investment;
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
creating employment training programs for Class 1 business customer service, sales, and managerial positions;
retail marketing strategies to solicit new Class 1 commercial investment starts in the community;
program allowances for activities such as the publication of marketing materials, development of economic development web pages, and educational outreach activities with retail trade associations; and
hiring business recruitment specialists.
Authorizes the Administrator to only make such a grant to communities: (1) whose demographics include a median per capita income no higher than $35,000 and a lack of Class 1 commercial investment; (2) that submit an application that describes the activities the community carries out, and the difficulty the community has faced, to recruit, retain and grow their economy through Class 1 commercial investment; and (3) that agree to match 10% of grant funds with certain non-federal contributions. Allows the Administrator to waive or reduce the non-federal contribution if the community involved demonstrates that it cannot meet the contribution requirement due to financial hardship.
People & committees
Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2] · D–IL
Legislative record
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Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 12, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze H.R.3956 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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