Photo: Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman (R) poses with Operation HOPE CEO John Hope Bryant (L)

ATLANTA ÔÇô SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman was honored with the Small Business Champion Award for her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to equity in small business operations.

Release:

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, who heads the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and is a key voice in President BidenÔÇÖs cabinet for AmericaÔÇÖs 33 million small businesses, made her way to Atlanta to join in a fireside chat at the 2023 HOPE Global Forums Annual Meeting with Operation HOPE Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant.

During the conversation, Administrator Guzman highlighted the Biden-Harris AdministrationÔÇÖs strong emphasis on equity and dedication to bolstering the American dream through entrepreneurship. The SBA’s efforts this fiscal year have resulted in $50 billion in capital, disaster relief, and bonding being delivered to small businesses and disaster-affected communities across the nation. President Biden’s leadership has also led to increased SBA lending to underserved businesses, with more than 4,700 loans to Black-owned businesses amounting to nearly $1.5 billion in FY23.

Following the fireside chat, Chairman Bryant honored Administrator Guzman with the Small Business Champion Award, recognizing her instrumental role in promoting small business growth nationwide.