H.R. 2099 — 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 section revises a function of State workforce development boards by (1) expanding assistance for high-quality training in in-demand industry sectors or occupations to include entrepreneurs, in addition to jobseekers; and (2) incorporating entrepreneurial skills development and microenterprise services into such training.

This section expands eligibility for providers of training services under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by including providers of entrepreneurial skills development programs among the public or private providers that states may certify (alongside joint labor-management organizations). (Thus, such providers may be placed on state eligible training provider lists to receive WIOA adult training funds under section 133(b).)

This section revises the required local employment and training activities for adults and dislocated workers under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as follows: (1) in individualized career services, adds provision of information on entrepreneurship, as appropriate, and referral to microenterprise services, as appropriate; (2) in strategies for job and credential attainment, specifies that job resource listings may include resources to support entrepreneurship and that opportunities in in-demand industry sectors may include entrepreneurship opportunities; and (3) in work-based training, includes entrepreneurial opportunities. (As background, WIOA requires local workforce development boards to use at least 20% of adult and dislocated worker funds for these activities, which provide services such as career counseling and training to help individuals obtain employment.)

This section amends research provisions under sec. 169(b) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by (1) requiring the Secretary of Labor, through a grant or contract, to conduct a three-year multistate study on entrepreneurial skills development programs that reviews successful practices, mentoring and provider qualifications, employer engagement strategies, outcomes correlating to entrepreneurial success, progress measurement, industry-recognized credentials, economic and business development impacts, participant readiness and post-completion earnings, and provides recommendations to expand state and local access; and (2) expanding dissemination requirements to include individuals pursuing entrepreneurship. The section also amends demonstration and pilot project authorities under sec. 169(c) to authorize projects promoting self-employment, entrepreneurship, job creation (especially for in-demand industry sectors or occupations), averting dislocations, assisting dislocated farmers and fishermen, developing career pathways and encouraging advancements, and promoting public works.