Bennett Aerospace, located in my home state, is a prime example of the struggles faced by the more than 27 million small businesses in the U.S. This veteran-owned company specializes in cutting-edge technologies for medical diagnostics, nano-scale materials applications, and laser-based sensing systems. However, when they submitted a certification application to the Small Business Administration (SBA), they found themselves buried under an avalanche of bureaucracy. After filing 1,700 pages of paperwork and spending countless hours on the application, Bennett still hadn’t received accreditation after four months.

While my office was able to assist Bennett and work with the SBA to resolve the issue, the company continues to face similar challenges every time they apply for a government contract. Unfortunately, Bennett’s experience is not unique, and many small businesses find themselves impeded by excessive paperwork and red tape when trying to access government resources or secure contracts.

As we approach National Small Business Week, it’s important to recognize that small businesses are vital to our economy. Since the economic recovery began in July 2009, small employers have added 2.6 million jobs, making up three-fourths of the new jobs created in the past decade. These businesses are the engines of innovation, economic growth, and job creation. Yet, far too often, government bureaucracy stands in the way of their success.

To address this issue, I am introducing the Small Business Common Application Act — legislation designed to reduce paperwork burdens and cut through the bureaucratic red tape that stifles small business growth. The Small Business “common app” would function similarly to the application systems used by students applying to multiple colleges. Instead of filling out separate forms for each federal agency, small businesses could submit a single application to apply for research and development grants and government contracts across multiple agencies.

This legislation would also help small businesses recovering from natural disasters. After devastating tornadoes, hurricanes, or storms, businesses should not have to waste precious time refiling the same information with multiple government agencies. The Small Business Common Application Act would streamline the process, making it easier for these businesses to access the federal assistance they need to rebuild.

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and it’s time for the federal government to be more responsive to their needs. The Small Business Common Application Act is a proactive step toward breaking down the barriers that prevent small businesses from thriving. By reducing paperwork and eliminating inefficiencies, we can help businesses focus on what matters most: growing and creating jobs.

As we continue to support and cultivate small businesses, we must remember that they are not just driving our economy—they are fueling innovation, recovery, and future success. Let’s give them the tools they need to keep moving forward.