SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman visits

Kansas City, Oct. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Thursday, October 13, 2022, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and voice for America’s 33 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, joined Rep. Sharice Davids (KS 3rd District), and a member of the House Committee, on a Kansas City small business metro visit and joined Senator Roger Marshall for a small business roundtable. The Administrator was also joined by SBA Kansas City District Director Michael Barrera and Deputy District Director Ram Basnet.

“Small businesses need access to capital and support networks that can help them navigate resources to grow and succeed, and the Small Business Administration is here to help,” stated Administrator Guzman. “Kansas City small business owners and local leaders continue to inform how the SBA does our work supporting local entrepreneurs to build resilient businesses and create good jobs. My thanks to Representative Davis and Senator Marshall for their leadership and commitment to serving small businesses. Together with the House and Senate Small Business Committees, we continue to extend our reach to ensure all of America’s entrepreneurs can access impactful SBA resources and support.”

The Administrator participated in a tour at Mid-State Aerospace, an Olathe-based aviation parts manufacturer. Mid-State Aerospace was able to reach international customers through SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) which provides financial awards to state and territory governments to assist small businesses with export development. The company was able to maintain workers and keep operations running through the pandemic thanks to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP).

Administrator Guzman traveled to 1889 Pizza Napoletana, a small business in Kansas City, KS for dinner. She met with husband-and-wife owners, Jason and Kelli Kolich. The Kolich’s business survived the pandemic thanks…