In the coming weeks, Reps. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and Jim Baird (R-IN) will introduce the bipartisan Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026. As you likely know, Build to Scale, managed by the Economic Development Administration, is the federal government's largest, most flexible pool of annual funding designed specifically for regionally designed innovation initiatives. A summary of the proposed act, prepared by the two aforementioned Congressional offices, is provided below. If your organization wishes to endorse or provide a quote in support of this bipartisan legislation, please complete this form before COB Thursday, May 7, 2026.
Background on the Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026
Originally authorized under the America COMPETES Act of 2010, Build to Scale is a competitive grant program that invests in local institutions to strengthen regional innovation capacity and connect high-potential ideas with the capital, infrastructure, and support needed to scale. Since 2014, the program, formerly known as the Regional Innovation Program, has awarded $272 million to 426 projects across all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, supporting more than 58,600 jobs and 6,200 startups. The Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 builds on this success by extending congressional authorization through fiscal year 2030 at $50 million annually. The legislation also lowers barriers for economically distressed communities, expands outreach to underrepresented regions, and strengthens coordination with other federal economic development programs to maximize impact and prevent duplication. Specifically, the Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026:
-
Reauthorizes Build to Scale. Continues a proven program through fiscal year 2030.
-
Increases access to capital. Supports entrepreneurs’ and startups’ access to the investment they need to turn ideas into market-ready products and good-paying jobs in their communities.
-
Expands outreach. Creates more opportunities for rural communities, trade-impacted regions, and historically economically distressed areas to participate.
-
Opportunities for all. Reduces barriers for economically distressed communities by easing match requirements through a cost-share waiver to increase applications.
-
Strengthens collaboration. Encourages coordination with the National Science Foundation and related initiatives such as Tech Hubs to maximize impact and avoid duplication.
Ensuring the program receives its full $50 million authorized appropriation level each year is a top priority for SSTI's Innovation Advocacy Council. (Please consider joining so it can maintain its efforts on behalf of the field).
Thank you for your consideration of this request to show that the Build 2 Scale program is valued by our community in places all across the county. Please reach out to me if you have any questions. Remember the May 7, 2026, deadline.