U.S. Small Business Administration leader visits Rockford to meet with local entrepreneurs

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The head of the U.S. Small Business Administration stopped in Rockford on Thursday with Congressman Eric Sorensen to meet with local entrepreneurs and learn what they need to ensure their success.

Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman and Sorensen kicked off the day with a roundtable discussion with several small business owners before heading out on a tour of six locally-owned shops, ranging from retail to restaurants and barbershops to grocery stores.

The roundtable discussion was held privately, but members of the media were allowed in to hear opening remarks and ask a few questions of the congressman and administrator. They said part of what they set out to learn was how business owners here used SBA resources and how they withstood the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

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“The pandemic has been challenging: SBA has stepped in to provide significant relief to Illinois, $40 billion in relief,” Guzman said. “But on an ongoing basis we support our small businesses with the capital that they need to grow and start, as well as the technical assistance.

“So we need to know what we need in this district to make sure our small businesses are strong, especially as we’re seeing a small business boom.”

Sorensen said the visit would help them understand how they can best advocate on behalf of small business owners in Rockford.

“What would this place be like if we didn’t have small businesses here? If we didn’t have people taking the chance today and making that dream come true, what would our community be like?” Sorensen said. “It would be vibrant. It wouldn’t be colorful like it is today.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas