Jim Baird Co-Introduces Build to Scale Reauthorization Act to Boost Startups and Innovation
U.S. Representatives Haley Stevens and Jim Baird have introduced the Build to Scale Reauthorization Act of 2026 in the House of Representatives. This legislation aims to reauthorize the Economic Development Administration's Build to Scale program through fiscal year 2030. The program is designed to support regional innovation ecosystems by providing competitive grants to entrepreneurs, technology startups, and organizations that connect startups with necessary resources. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $272 million to 426 projects across the U.S., supporting more than 58,600 jobs and 6,200 startups. The bill seeks to expand access to capital, increase outreach to economically distressed communities, and strengthen coordination among federal innovation initiatives. 
