White House To Propose New Regs, Steps To Attract Entrepreneurs

The Obama administration released a fact sheet on April 7, 2014, summarizing efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship, including a series of proposed regulations and other steps.

Among other things, the Department of Homeland Security is set to publish soon several proposed rules intended to make the United States more attractive to talented foreign entrepreneurs and other high-skill immigrants. The proposed regulations will include rules authorizing employment for spouses of certain high-skill workers on H-1B visas and enhancing opportunities for outstanding professors and researchers.

Also planned is the launch of “Entrepreneur Pathways,” an online resource center “that gives immigrant entrepreneurs an intuitive way to navigate opportunities to start and grow a business in the United States,” the fact sheet says.

Additionally, the Department of State will launch two new exchange programs for entrepreneurs in the Western hemisphere. The Small Business Network of the Americas (SBNA) Fellowship Program will connect incubators across the hemisphere “to share best practices in entrepreneurial development and unlock market access for small businesses across the region,” the fact sheet states. The Professional Fellows Program will bring Salvadoran, Guatemalan, and U.S. officials together for a six-week internship and training program focusing on professional development, problem-solving, and networking.