MILWAUKEE – On Wednesday, May 1, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for America’s more than 33 million small businesses, traveled to Milwaukee, WI, for the second stop on the SBA’s 2024 National Small Business Week (NSBW) roadshow, where she highlighted this year’s theme, “Building on the Small Business Boom.”
In the morning, Administrator Guzman toured R. L. Davis Contracting Services, a Black-owned hydro excavation company that has benefited from SBA support and opportunities in President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Administrator Guzman then participated in a Community Advantage Roundtable, where she discussed the SBA’s commitment to meeting underserved entrepreneurs where they are and heard direct feedback from Community Advantage borrowers and lenders.
Administrator Guzman then traveled to a nearby Asian American, woman-owned small business, Dakonte Product Group, where she met with the business owner and received a tour. May 1 marks the start of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month – a time for the SBA to shine a spotlight on the three million small businesses owned by members of the AANHPI community across America.
After visiting Dakonte Product Group, Administrator Guzman met with Tribal leaders, small business owners, and lenders. During the meeting, Administrator Guzman highlighted the SBA’s progress in lending to Native-owned small businesses. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, loans to Native-owned small businesses are up by 70% and total loan dollars have nearly doubled.
Administrator Guzman concluded her day at Wisconsin’s 2024 National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony, where she was joined by Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson and Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor Sara Rodriguez. During the ceremony, Administrator Guzman honored Eric Rupert, Sam McDaniel, and Jessica Benish as Wisconsin’s 2024 Small Business Persons of the Year. Their business, Fortune Favors, produces and distributes delicious, candied pecans and other nuts treats across America. Administrator Guzman presented several other awards during the ceremony. The full list of awardees can be found here.
Entrepreneurs from traditionally underserved communities are powering the Biden-Harris Administration’s Small Business Boom in Wisconsin. This National Small Business Week, the SBA is shining a spotlight on how President Biden’s commitment to leveling the playing field has benefited small businesses in Wisconsin and across the nation.
For follow-up interview requests for Administrator Guzman, please contact Teddy Lake at theodora.lake@sba.gov.
