Small Business Pilot Program: SBA Has Opportunities to Evaluate Outcomes and Enhance Fraud Risk Mitigation

The SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program aimed to level the playing field for underserved small business owners—especially those in high-poverty, high-minority areas—by funding local organizations to act as navigators. These hubs and spokes offered training, counseling, and culturally tailored support to help entrepreneurs access loans and grow. However, the program lacked a plan to evaluate outcomes or leverage local SBA offices during the grant review process, which limited insights and risk mitigation. The GAO recommends future evaluations and stronger fraud prevention through better collaboration with local staff.