Wednesday Marked SBA’s National Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Day

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger yesterday brought U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman to Fredericksburg to meet with members of the region’s small business community and learn more about the area’s economic opportunities and challenges — specifically for entrepreneurs.

Spanberger and Administrator Guzman heard directly from local business leaders at the University of Mary Washington’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). During a roundtable discussion, they learned more about how federal, state, and local governments can help improve access to capital, support entrepreneurs, and grow the Commonwealth’s economy. Following the conversation, Spanberger and Guzman participated in a walking tour of Fredericksburg small businesses.

In addition to local business owners, Spanberger and Administrator Guzman were joined by Virginia SBDC leaders, University of Mary Washington officials, SBA Regional Administrator John Fleming, and SBA Virginia Richmond District Director Carl Knoblock. During the tour of local businesses, Spanberger and Administrator Guzman visited Hyperion Espresso, Jus Pop’n, Wren & Sparrow, Riverby Books, and Latitudes Fair Trade.

“The Fredericksburg area has a strong business climate. And to further grow the region’s economy, the SBDC at the University of Mary Washington is ready to provide more resources for Virginians looking to start a new business, expand their operations, and get the word out about their products and services,” said Spanberger. “Yesterday, I was proud to bring Administrator Guzman to Fredericksburg to see firsthand the experiences of local business owners on the ground — because this direct feedback is how we can make smart reforms that make the system work more efficiently. Virginia is the best place in the country to live, work, and raise a family — and the success of our Commonwealth relies on the success of our small businesses.”

“Representative Spanberger is a champion of small business owners and it was a pleasure to join her in Fredericksburg to speak with local entrepreneurs and discuss how the SBA and its partners are improving access to capital and resources,” said Administrator Guzman. “Together with the leadership of Rep. Spanberger and other Congressional members, we are working to help more entrepreneurs achieve the dream of business ownership.”

Yesterday marked National SBDC Day. These facilities support small businesses in marketing and business strategy, finance, technology transfer, government contracting, management, manufacturing, engineering, sales, accounting, exporting, and other topics.

In Congress, Spanberger has consistently supported the mission of SBDCs — including voting to secure $140 million for SBDCs in fiscal year (FY) 2023, as well as requesting $160 million for FY 2024 in the months ahead.

BACKGROUND

Spanberger has been recognized for her bipartisan leadership in championing small business-focused issues in the U.S. House.

In 2021, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded Spanberger with the “Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award” and the “Jefferson-Hamilton Award for Bipartisanship” for her work across party lines on issues that are important to small businesses and their employees. She was the only Member of Virginia’s congressional delegation to receive either award.

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