Chris Van Hollen: “I rise today to support the confirmation of Isabel Guzman, a dedicated public servant and successful small…”

“I rise today to support the confirmation of Isabel Guzman, a dedicated public servant and successful small businesswoman, to lead the Small Business Administration. Small businesses are a cornerstone of Maryland's economy, creating jobs, driving innovation, and anchoring communities. Isabel Guzman's extensive leadership experience serving at SBA under the Obama administration and running her own small businesses positions her well to support our small business communities as we finish the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and address the unique challenges faced by women- and minority-owned small businesses across Maryland. In her new role as SBA Administrator, she will inherit an economic crisis compounded by a mismanaged pandemic that has devastated the small business community from retail to restaurants and bars to sole- proprietorships. She will be charged not only with administering critical small business relief programs, including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and the Paycheck Protection Program, but also with building back better to shape the environment for a thriving small business community. I look forward to working closely with her to ensure that we build an inclusive economy that encourages and supports local entrepreneurs. ____________________”