Meet Kathy Mitcham: Helping SBA Recruit the Talent it Needs to Assist Small Business

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

I am Human Resources Specialist in the Office of Human Capital Management.   My duties include researching various talent bases through outreach recruitment efforts to ensure SBA has the resources they need to assist small businesses start, grow and succeed.  I have worked in a number of capacities at SBA over the past 16 years, to include the Office of Entrepreneurial Development.  Therefore, I have helped small businesses by explaining to them the many resources available to them within the agency, and then directing them to the right departments and people within the organization to answer their questions as they start and grow their small businesses.

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

Small businesses are huge contributors to our nation’s economy.  Many of them would not succeed without the aid of SBA, whether through its loan programs, educational forums, and a commitment from the administration to do everything possible to keep businessesoperational.  That's what excites me about what SBA is doing every day to help small businesses.

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

The one success story that comes to mind is RGII Technologies, Inc.  Its Founder and now, former CEO, Kathryn Freeland, was able to grow her Information Technology company with the help of SBA's 8(a) Program. Her company, with SBA's help, grew every year and resulted in her being named SBA's 1995 Minority Small Business Person of the Year. In addition, Mrs. Freeland was selected as one of six successful business owners to be honored during SBA's 50th Anniversary celebration.  The 8(a) Program opened doors for her company within federal agencies that otherwise would have been difficult to enter. She contributed the company's success to the help and resources that were available to her at SBA.I am so proud that she is one of my best friends and has been a great mentor to me.

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

My advice to small businesses is not to think about starting your small business until you have consulted with SBA. These discussions will help take the guesswork out of what is needed to start your business off on the right foot.  SBA is in the business of helping businesses succeed, so hold us accountable for doing just that.

Meet the SBA is a series of features of SBA employees – both in Washington, D.C., and around the U.S. – who work every day to help small businesses grow and create jobs.  Employees were nominated by their colleagues to be recognized during Public Service Recognition Week 2011.