The column below reflects the views of the author, and these opinions are neither endorsed nor supported by WisOpinion.com.
President Biden’s Investing in America economic agenda is strengthening small businesses, while catalyzing once-in-a century generational investments to grow America’s inclusive economy, increase equitable fair market competition, tackle climate change, and reshore domestic manufacturing. The Investing in America economic agenda is fueling a Small Business Boom, exceeding 18 million business applications since 2021—historically the three strongest years of new business applications under the Biden-Harris Administration — with more than 222,000 filed in Wisconsin.
Nationally and in Wisconsin, there’s unprecedented demand for the SBA’s free business counseling, non-predatory capital, and contracting help to sell to the federal government. Investing in America represents four bi-partisan laws signed by President Biden that’s stimulating high demand for SBA assistance: the American Rescue Plan Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.
These landmark laws are driving public investments that rebuild our roads, bridges, and airports toward advancing the Badger State’s domestic and global commerce, while enhancing community development. Investments are also for sustainable green energy, clean air, and safe water systems that help Wisconsinites attain financial savings, build wealth, and improve wellness. As small businesses do this work, they also create good jobs.
Diverse businesses such as rural-based, women, people of color, LGBTQ+, and veterans are benefitting from the structural investments, such as family-owned, black-owned firm R.L. Davis Contracting Services in Milwaukee’s Menomonee Valley. R.L. Davis received SBA financing for heavy equipment and their hydroexcavation services are needed to replace toxic lead pipes. They work with Hero Plumbing, another Black-owned firm whom the President recognized. And there’s Latina-owned business Domina Consulting in Kenosha that’s helping small firms get certified for infrastructure construction contracts. Nationally, more than 23,000 infrastructure projects have been funded to improve how Americans work, live, and play.
SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman created a level playing field so entrepreneurs know about infrastructure opportunities, find financing, identify growth markets to expand customers and increase job employment with the SBA’s online Investing in America Small Business HUB (IIA Hub) at www.sba.gov/IIAhub. On the SBA’s IIA HUB, home repair and electrical trade small businesses can learn about energy tax rebates to position and compete for residential jobs. Small manufacturing firms can learn how to qualify for green matching grants up to $350,000. And owners in the construction and building trades can secure contracts to break ground and install low-cost, high-speed internet for nearly 22% of Wisconsinites lacking an internet subscription so they get help on business, family, education and health concerns.
With a whole-of-government approach, the SBA is coordinating with other federal agencies, Wisconsin state government such as WEDC, and community business groups to host local events and webinars and meet small businesses where they are. It’s important that small businesses seize the tremendous opportunities to start-up, grow and expand from infrastructure projects. For help, visit www.sba.gov, contact the SBA Wisconsin District Office and follow our LinkedIn accounts at https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sbawisconsin/ and https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/sba-great-lakes.
– Geri Sanchez Aglipay is SBA Great Lakes regional administrator.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers appeared on Channel 9's Today Show this morning with host Karl Stefanovic.He was asked for his reaction to the US rate cut and how things
The UK operator of TGI Fridays has gone into administration, putting 4,500 jobs at risk.A total of 87 of the chain's restaurants have been put up for sale as ow
Published 9 hours agoSubmitted by American AirlinesThe airline is creating nearly 500 new aviation maintenance jobs, including more than 385 licensed aviation m
The environmental policies of Joe Biden’s administration will save approximately 200,000 Americans’ lives from dangerous pollution in the coming decades and