Meet Angelique Adjutant, Public Affairs Specialist in Puerto Rico and USVI District Office

When a friend or family member asks what you do to help small businesses, what do you say?

I say that I am responsible for reinforcing SBA’s presence in the community, so that others may realize their dreams of financial independence, of starting a business of their own, of creating jobs and providing for thousands of families. The SBA has the most extraordinary mission – one I will always support.

What’s your favorite thing about what the SBA does for small businesses?

It would have to be the creation of opportunities. Opportunities for small business entrepreneurs to learn, improve, grow and succeed.

Is there a particular small business “success story” that comes to mind when you think about how the SBA helps people?

There are many successful small business owners that come to mind, and I am grateful to have been able to meet them and tell their stories.  But if I had to choose only one, it would have to be Jatniel Vázquez, founder and president of Jayvee Air Conditioning in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.  From very humble beginnings, today Jatniel owns a successful enterprise engaged in industrial and commercial air conditioning systems, generating more than $2 million in annual revenues; he employs over 15 people, provides for his younger sister’s education in Engineering, employs his family, and bought his mother the house of her dreams.  And all this before turning 30! Jatniel took advantage of SBA loan programs to expand his business and create jobs.

Do you have any advice for entrepreneurs and small business owners out there?

Start small but always think big.

Anything else to add?

Yes. As with anything else, perseverance is critical to achieving one’s dreams. To quote Winston Churchill, “never, ever, ever, ever give up”.