Angie Craig: “For over a year now, small businesses in my district and across the country have struggled to make it through this…”

“For over a year now, small businesses in my district and across the country have struggled to make it through this public health and economic crisis. As a result of this pandemic, prospective small business owners face a steeper climb than ever before. We must do more to make it easy to start, operate, and expand a small business in our communities. One of the most important ways that we can do this is by ensuring that the Small Business Administration's loan programs are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. Today, we have two bills that would do exactly that, including my bipartisan bill, the 504 Modernization and Small Manufacturer Enhancement Act. These crucial bipartisan pieces of legislation will not only increase the amount of capital available to manufacturers, but will actually ease the process of getting a loan because, in the midst of a severe economic crisis, our businessowners simply cannot be bogged down in red tape and legalese. Taken together, these bills will help to promote the economic development of small manufacturers, creating good paying jobs in growing industries all across this country. To demonstrate just how impactful these loans can be, I want to tell you about Nate Bry, a lifelong resident of Rosemount, Minnesota. Thirteen years ago, Nate founded a sports apparel company called Custom Apparel Inc. in the basement of his home.…”