FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Janel Knight Trulear
janel@emccommunications.com
(617) 875-6581

NC Small Business Owners: Administration’s Economic Policies, Including Focus on Access to Capital, are Helping Main Street

NC small business members in the Small Business for America’s Future network and Jim Duffett Southern States Regional Director who is attending the event, react to Vice President Kamala Harris and Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman’s visit to the state

Raleigh, N.C., Jan. 30, 2023— Today, Vice President Kamala Harris and Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman visited North Carolina to meet with small business leaders and discuss SBA’s efforts to increase access to capital and business training for small business owners. They also discussed how Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) can serve entrepreneurs of color.

Access to capital is the lifeblood of a small business, yet many underserved small business owners face major hurdles to obtaining loans and investments to finance their growth. Additionally, training and technical assistance on business skills can mean the difference between success and failure for new entrepreneurs. With a record 10.5 million applications to start small businesses over the last two years, it is crucial we provide these new business owners with the skills and capital they need to succeed. CDFIs are a mission-driven resource with deep ties in local communities that can deliver both.

Here’s what North Carolina small business owners are saying:

“Every business needs credit if it's going to grow. It's gratifying to see that our leaders understand that and are actually working to improve the situation. This focus on access to capital and CDFIs along with laws like the Inflation Reduction Act, which helps with costs that affect our bottom line,  are strong examples of what can happen when politicians put their differences aside for the advancement of the needs of the people they serve.”

Karim Razza

Karma Contracting

High Point, North Carolina 

“Our economy, while fragile, has shown some bright spots with a record number of new small businesses being formed. In order to support the small business community and keep the economy on a positive track, we need more common sense policies that give entrepreneurs what they really need to succeed—opportunities, access to capital and the skills training needed to run a business.”

Melina Olivares

Realtor, Secretary, Harmony: NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce

Raleigh, North Carolina

“Small business owners like me have weathered the pandemic and inflation and it is gratifying to see the Administration continue to focus on policies that will help us rebound. Access to capital is crucial to our success, and CDFIs are a wonderful local resource that can help small businesses thrive. I also know Vice President Harris is committed to ensuring the LGBT+ community, including the LGBT+ business community, gets the resources and support it needs, and greatly appreciate all her efforts.”

CJ Scarlet

President of CJ Scarlet LLC, DBA Badass Grandma Ventures

Vice President, Harmony: NC LGBT+ Allied Chamber of Commerce

Clayton, North Carolina

“Access to capital is critical for small business survival. It's great to see leaders in Washington focus on increasing access to entrepreneurs who are most likely to be shut out of the traditional financial system including women, people of color and immigrants. CDFIs were a lifeline to small businesses during the pandemic and will continue to be a key resource as we navigate our unpredictable economy.”

Debra Talley

Owner of TalleyUp Accounting & Financial Services

Henderson, North Carolina

“Black-owned businesses including Black nonprofit organizations need affordable credit, tax incentives, access to capital, grant funding and other funding sources to sustain and grow businesses in North Carolina. There are leaders who understand that and are actually working to develop legislation that will improve our economic situation. The focus on access to capital, Black-owned banks, NC MBDA, fintechs and CDFIs, along with laws like the Inflation Reduction Act, and legislation that will create investments by major banks and insurance companies for Black communities, will help grow small Black-owned companies in communities that are underserved. This investment will create jobs and reduce poverty and crime that impacts our bottom line as business owners.”

Gerry McCants 

McCants LLC 

Greensboro, North Carolina 

To request an interview with a business owner or SBAF North Carolina Director Jim Duffett, contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com.  

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a national coalition of small business owners and leaders working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize the nation’s 30 million small businesses to create an economy that works for them, their workers and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.