Today, Representative Maria Elvira Salazar hosted Isabel Guzman, Administrator of the United States Small Business Administration (SBA), in Miami to meet with constituents, hear concerns of local entrepreneurs, tour small businesses in FL-27, and discuss solutions to grow our economy.
“The American Dream thrives when our economy is given the freedom it needs to grow and empowers our small business do what they do best – innovate, create jobs, and provide value to their customers and community,” stated Rep. Salazar. “It was an honor to host Administrator Guzman and introduce her to the heart of Florida’s 27th District. Today’s visit solidified a strong relationship between my office and the SBA, and I look forward to working together to ensure Miami small businesses can access the resources they need to thrive.”
“It was inspiring to hear from small business owners in Miami who have worked so hard to start, grow, and adapt their businesses in challenging times," explained Administrator Guzman. "I'm proud of the work the SBA is doing to help entrepreneurs in South Florida and across the country to access the capital, markets, and resources they need to thrive, and I want to thank Rep. Salazar for her partnership as we work to serve all of our small businesses and help them succeed."
The Administrator’s visit started with a productive roundtable discussion with small business owners in Congresswoman Salazar’s district at Miami-Dade College. The roundtable focused on how the federal government can best serve the needs and interests of the small business owners and employees across South Florida. Following the roundtable, Congresswoman Salazar took Administrator Guzman on a walking tour across Calle Ocho in Little Havana. They made a stop at Old's Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, where they met with the owner and greeted patrons.
Representative Salazar is the Ranking Member on the House Small Business Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure. In this capacity, she introduced H.R. 3065, Expanding Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses Act, to increase the size of contracts available to disadvantaged federal contractors. This legislation passed the US House of Representatives in September 2021. She also co-led the PRICE Act to encourage Federal Agencies to collaborate more and boost small business participation in the federal procurement process. The legislation was signed into law by the President in February 2022. Additionally, Rep. Salazar introduced H.R. 1533, the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EDIL) Relief Act, which extended EIDL loans repayments for small business owners for an additional year due to the pandemic. This policy was implemented by the Biden Administration in March 2021.
Finally, Representative Salazar serves local constituents directly through her Prosperity Center, the first of its kind among Congressional offices. The Prosperity Center is focused on maximizing the success of the people of Florida’s 27th Congressional District by directly connecting the resources of the federal government to Miamians. You can learn more about the Center’s efforts and the programming they offer here.
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