To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to authorize a study to review specific outcomes of entrepreneurial skills development programs, and for other purposes.

This bill proposes amendments to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to significantly expand its focus to include entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial skills development. It broadens the scope of State Workforce Development Boards to serve entrepreneurs and integrate entrepreneurial skills development and microenterprise services into their activities. The legislation mandates that eligible providers of training services now include those offering entrepreneurial skills development programs. Furthermore, local employment and training activities are required to provide information on entrepreneurship, refer individuals to microenterprise services, and offer resources that support entrepreneurial endeavors. A central provision authorizes a three-year multistate study on entrepreneurial skills development programs. This comprehensive study will review successful practices, mentoring strategies, provider qualifications, employer engagement, and program outcomes correlating with entrepreneurial success. It will also assess the economic impact, job creation, and participant earnings, providing recommendations for expanding access to such programs. Finally, the bill updates WIOA's provisions for evaluations and research, explicitly allowing demonstration and pilot projects to focus on promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship , alongside other workforce development initiatives.