WASHINGTON, DC– Recently, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America's 32.5 million small businesses in President Biden's Cabinet, met with business owners across the Northeast, highlighting equity, resources, and support for America's small businesses.
"Small businesses are the giants of our economy. It was a pleasure to meet with business owners throughout the Northeast and hear firsthand about their successes and the challenges they have overcome, as well as understand their critical needs as they continue to navigate the fast-evolving economy. They are doing the hard work to help strengthen our supply chains, make more products right here in America, and confront the biggest challenges of our time, from climate change and energy independence to rebuilding our roads and bridges. Our small businesses are starting, recovering, and focused on growth opportunities ahead, including contracts through the $1.2 trillion invested in President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). The SBA is committed to making sure capital, revenue growth opportunities, and support networks are available to all to seize this moment and help build a better, more equitable America," stated Administrator Guzman.
In Willimantic, Connecticut, the SBA Administrator joined U.S. Representative Joe Courtney to meet with small business contractors working at the Windham Bridge construction site, a project funded by President Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). All twelve of the subcontractors involved in the project have received SBA assistance.
While in Connecticut, Administrator Guzman also toured two local family-owned businesses. Mackey's and Design Center East were able to weather the COVID-19 pandemic with help from SBA's relief programs. She also met with John Vincent Pica-Sneeden, the Executive Director of the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, to kick off Pride Month and discuss the successes and resilience of LGBTQ business owners and how the SBA can work with partners to continue inclusive outreach to all entrepreneurs.
Administrator Guzman meeting with John Vincent Pica-Sneeden, Executive Director of the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.
In Massachusetts, Administrator Guzman and Rep. Lori Trahan visited the Lowell Auditorium, where they celebrated the resurgence of vital cultural entities kept afloat during the pandemic thanks to the SBA's Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG), a grant program funded in part by President Biden's American Rescue Plan. They also held a roundtable highlighting the impact of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and development with the potential for commercialization. Massachusetts is home to small businesses and universities that have made significant technological contributions to our national security, public health, environment, and clean energy economy while creating great jobs and economic opportunities through the SBIR and STTR programs. The group spoke about the urgency to reauthorize these programs.
Administrator Guzman with U.S. Representative Lori Trahan and members of the Lowell Auditorium in Massachusetts.
Friday, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Administrator Guzman joined U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan. They held a roundtable to have a very candid discussion on the state of small business affairs. Small business owners shared their concerns about the economy, jobs, and return to pre-Covid commerce.
Administrator Guzman with U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan at a roundtable discussion in Coatesville, Pa.
"Starting a small business is in many ways a reflection of our faith in the American Dream to inspire, innovate, and give back to our community -- I know because I've been there, too," said Houlahan. "As I meet with small business owners across Chester and Berks Counties, I see that faith in action; we have over 15,000 small business owners who employ nearly half of workers in our district. We continue to grow and attract new businesses, but we also know barriers like access to capital and affordable childcare persist. To talk about our successes and the work ahead, I proudly hosted SBA Administrator Guzman in Coatesville."
Houlahan added: "Administrator Guzman has been a tireless partner through the distribution of historic emergency disaster loans, small business grants, small venue grants, and so much more to keep our economy on track during the worst of the pandemic. She also understands that when women- and minority-owned businesses succeed, we all succeed. On this pressing issue, I look forward to working together to strengthen existing programs and resources for underrepresented communities. In fact, my Women-Owned Small Business Program Transparency Act is expected to pass the House this week with broad bipartisan support. Our commitment to small businesses continues, and I will return to Washington this week with fresh ideas from our community, ready to deliver for Pennsylvanians."
They then visited nth Solutions, LLC, a small business that has endured economic challenges since 2006. Founded by Susan Springsteen and Eric Canfield, nth Solutions is an integrated product development & manufacturing, whose design team holds more than 50 commercialized patents.
"American manufacturing is key to the success of our economy. I toured @nthSolutions, an electronic product development and manufacturing company that has grown and weathered the pandemic with help from the SBA," stated Administrator Guzman.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.