Memorandums of Understanding
The Office of Advocacy enters into Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with federal agencies, research institutions, and other organizations to advance the interests of small businesses. These agreements outline shared goals and collaborative efforts, such as improving data access, supporting research, and promoting small business participation in the regulatory process.
MOUs help the Office of Advocacy:
- Expand access to small business data and research
- Foster interagency collaboration on regulatory reform
- Ensure small business concerns are considered in policymaking
- Leverage external expertise to support evidence-based advocacy
Current MOUs
Below is a list of key MOUs entered into by the Office of Advocacy. Tap a title to view or download the full document.
MOU with Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA)
The ultimate goal of this MOU is to streamline the regulatory review process to ensure that the impact on small businesses is minimized while allowing for necessary regulatory reforms. This partnership helps ensure that the voice of small business owners is heard in the regulatory landscape, and their needs are considered in federal policy decisions. View MOU »
MOU with the Office of the National Ombudsman (ONO)
The Office of Advocacy and ONO MOU aims to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses by improving communication between small business owners and federal agencies. It creates a system for addressing complaints, advocating for small business concerns, and ensuring that regulatory fairness is maintained. View MOU »
MOU with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The Office of Advocacy and OSHA MOU aims to create a balanced approach to workplace safety for small businesses, ensuring that they can comply with safety regulations without facing undue burden. The partnership also seeks to reduce complexity and increase support for small businesses in meeting OSHA standards. View MOU »
Why MOUs Matter
MOUs are not legally binding but represent a mutual commitment to cooperation. These agreements expand Advocacy’s ability to:
- Access timely, high-quality data
- Collaborate on joint publications and events
- Inform policymakers through shared expertise
Want to Collaborate?
Organizations interested in partnering with the Office of Advocacy can contact us at advocacy@sba.gov to explore potential MOUs or data-sharing opportunities.