Ranking Member Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), alongside Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-7) today introduced the Strengthening Place-based Access, Resources, and Knowledge (SPARK) Act to spur entrepreneurship and increase access to capital and resources for underserved entrepreneurs nationwide.
Introduce and support the passage of the SPARK Act to increase access to capital and resources for underserved entrepreneurs nationwide.
Occurrences
On February 12, 2026, Senator Edward J. Markey introduced S.3876, a bill aimed at amending the Small Business Act to spur entrepreneurial ecosystems in underserved communities.
The SPARK Act is a bill in Congress that tries to make it easier for people in underserved communities to start and grow small businesses. It would have the Small Business Administration fund local groups like business incubators and accelerators to give hands-on help, mentoring, and connections to capital for entrepreneurs in places that have been left behind, such as low-income neighborhoods, rural areas, and communities hit by disasters. A second part of the bill would give money to trusted local lenders and organizations so they can offer small grants and low-interest loans to businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, tribal members, and others who often struggle to get fair financing.
Evidence
On February 12, 2026, Senator Edward J. Markey introduced S.3876, a bill aimed at amending the Small Business Act to spur entrepreneurial ecosystems in underserved communities. The bill was read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
On March 17, 2026, Senator Markey applauded the House passage of bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs for five years. This legislation aims to protect the merit-based competitive nature of the programs and ensure that small businesses can access them.
The SPARK Act is a bill in Congress that tries to make it easier for people in underserved communities to start and grow small businesses. It would have the Small Business Administration fund local groups like business incubators and accelerators to give hands-on help, mentoring, and connections to capital for entrepreneurs in places that have been left behind, such as low-income neighborhoods, rural areas, and communities hit by disasters. A second part of the bill would give money to trusted local lenders and organizations so they can offer small grants and low-interest loans to businesses owned by women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, tribal members, and others who often struggle to get fair financing.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3) Status: Introduced on February 12 2026 - 25% progression Action: 2026-02-12 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Pending: Senate Small Business And Entrepreneurship Committee
Assessments
Senator Markey fulfilled the promise to introduce and support the SPARK Act by introducing S.3876 in the Senate and supporting similar measures to expand access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs. However, the bill remains in committee and has not yet become law, so the promise is only partially delivered. There is clear evidence of serious legislative effort.
Senator Markey introduced S.3876 during the specified term, which aligns with the core of the campaign promise to introduce and support legislation increasing access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs. However, there is no evidence that the SPARK Act itself was passed or that comprehensive nationwide impact was achieved. Markey also supported related efforts, such as SBIR/STTR reauthorization, which partially support the promise but do not constitute full delivery of the specific SPARK Act. Thus, the outcome is partial with credible legislative effort.
Senator Markey introduced relevant legislation (S.3876) aimed at increasing access to capital and resources for underserved entrepreneurs and supported the reauthorization of small business innovation programs. However, there is no evidence that the SPARK Act itself was passed or that the specific promise to ensure passage was fully delivered. Effort is clear and measurable, but the outcome is only partially achieved.