Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program Act of 2025

This bill amends the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 to establish the Capacity Building for Business Districts Pilot Program . This program aims to support the revitalization of vital business districts, recognized as crucial for community prosperity, entrepreneurship, and job creation. It addresses the need for technical assistance and flexible capital that locally based business district organizations often struggle to access through existing federal programs. The pilot program authorizes the Secretary to award competitive grants to specified recipients , which are experienced intermediary organizations operating across multiple geographic areas. These recipients will then provide specialized technical assistance, capacity building, and related services to eligible subrecipients , primarily local business district organizations. The program specifically targets business district revitalization efforts in low-income, rural, minority, and Native communities , prioritizing distressed areas and applicants with broad service capacity. Capacity building services encompass training, education, support, advice, and operating grants to enhance the technical and administrative capabilities of these local organizations. Grants are awarded for a term of at least two years, with specified recipients required to submit regular reports detailing fund use, areas served, businesses assisted, and jobs created or retained. This ensures accountability and tracks the program's impact on local economic development.