Communications Business Opportunities

The FCC’s Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO) acts as principal advisor to the Chairwoman and the Commissioners on issues, rulemakings, and policies that affect small businesses. OCBO promotes diversity, competition, and innovation in the provision of and ownership of telecommunications and information services by supporting opportunities for small businesses, including women-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned small businesses. OCBO is also available to assist small businesses and other small entities, including small non-profit organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions, with any concern regarding FCC policies or practices. Through OCBO, the Commission expands opportunities for small businesses and promotes a diverse and inclusive economy that brings the benefits of communications technology to everyone.

Driving Small Business Engagement with the FCC

OCBO drives small business engagement with the Commission through its outreach efforts, including newsletters, roundtables, and workshops.  OCBO also attends meetings and public events to hear the perspectives of small businesses and bring their voices to the Commission.

OCBO can assist small businesses, including women-owned and minority-owned small businesses, with navigating the Commission’s rulemaking process and filing public comments on ECFS.  OCBO also responds to small business inquiries, and facilitates meetings with agency subject matter experts.  

OCBO conducts outreach to understand where the Commission can remove barriers to entry for small businesses in the communications industry, and increase access to economic opportunity for women and minority-owned businesses.  OCBO also engages with a wide range of small business stakeholders to understand how the Commission can increase small business access to affordable broadband.

Small Businesses can email OCBOinfo@fcc.gov with any questions or concerns about FCC policies.

Small entities interested in filing comments should review information located here: How to Comment on FCC Proceedings and The FCC Rulemaking Process.

Ensuring Small Businesses are Considered in FCC Proceedings

OCBO attorneys oversee the Commission’s Compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which requires federal agencies to examine the impact of their proposed rules on small businesses and consider alternatives that benefit small businesses.  OCBO also acts as the liaison to the Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy on regulatory matters effecting small businesses.

Small Businesses are invited to contact RegFlex@fcc.gov regarding Regulatory Flexibility Act matters.

Assisting Small Businesses with Regulatory Compliance

To assist small businesses with any concerns regarding compliance with FCC rules and regulations, OCBO reviews and maintains a list of Small Entity Compliance Guides.

OCBO also coordinates with the Small Business Administration’s Office of the National Ombudsman to resolve issues concerning FCC enforcement actions. For more information, please review the Public Notice, “OCBO Reminds Small Businesses of SBA's Office of National Ombudsman.”