H.R. 10644 – Faith and Rural Small Business Act

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Updated October 6, 2026 at 7:21 AM UTC

The Faith and Rural Small Business Act amends the Small Business Act to adjust the leadership structure of the Office of Rural Affairs and to set up a new Center for Faith inside the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development. The changes affect how the SBA manages rural small‑business programs and introduce a dedicated unit to engage faith‑based communities in entrepreneurship. The bill also establishes a director for the new Center, to be appointed by the SBA Administrator shortly after the law takes effect.

Key Provisions

Changes the leadership title of the SBA’s Office of Rural Affairs from “director” to “Assistant Administrator.”
Creates a new Center for Faith within the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development.
Requires the SBA Administrator to appoint a Director for the Center for Faith within 90 days of the law’s enactment.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

HouseIntro Referral Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

Small Business Committee

October 1, 2026

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

October 1, 2026

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on Small Business.

Small Business Committee

October 1, 2026

Bill Text

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Introduced in HouseIssued October 1, 2026

I

119th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 10644

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

October 1, 2026

Mr. Alford introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Small Business

A BILL

To amend the Small Business Act to, within the Small Business Administration, modify the Office of Rural Affairs and establish the Center for Faith, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Faith and Rural Small Business Act.

2.

Office of Rural Affairs and Center for Faith of Small Business Administration

(a)

Office of Rural Affairs

Section 26(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 653(b)) is amended by striking a director and inserting an Assistant Administrator.

(b)

Center for Faith

The Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 26 the following:

26A.

Center for Faith

(a)

Establishment

There is established within the Office of Entrepreneurial Development of the Administration a Center for Faith.

(b)

Director of the Center for Faith

The Center for Faith shall be headed by a Director who shall be appointed by the Administrator not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section.

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