STATEMENT: Virginia small business owners encouraged by investments to bolster small businesses and strengthen local economies 

Statement by Small Business for America’s Future Co-Chair Walt Rowen, President of Susquehanna Glass Co. reacts to Vice President Kamala Harris’ event in Virginia.



Richmond, VA, May 4, 2023– It is encouraging to hear that Vice President Kamala Harris will highlight the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) and its impact on manufacturing during her visit to Babylon Micro-Farms based in Virginia today during Small Business Week. Recent findings about the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for small manufacturers proves that by focusing on manufacturing for small business, we can promote job creation, innovation, and economic growth in communities nationwide. 

Innovative approaches boost American manufacturing, improve the resiliency of our supply chains, and level the playing field for companies. The SSBCI is an important tool to help small businesses recover and grow from the pandemic. As a small business owner, I understand the challenges of navigating current supply chain issues and support policies that address them. This is a great step that will help small businesses access capital, boost American manufacturing and improve the resiliency of our supply chains. 

We need our leaders to continue to find creative solutions and investments to help America’s small businesses recover and rebuild from ongoing economic challenges. If we continue investment into our small businesses, which has created all net job growth since the pandemic began, they will continue to build our economy and lead us to prosperity. 

Here’s what small business owners are saying about Vice President Kamala Harris’ event today:

“I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for their continued support of small businesses and entrepreneurs across the country. They understand that small and micro businesses are in the business of supporting families and communities.” 
Claudia P. Lynch, Esq.

Managing Partner

Employee Benefits Legal Solutions, LLC

Newport News, VA

"Now, more than ever, the administration needs to be attentive to what's happening in small businesses. Pandemic hit small businesses hard and many are struggling to sustain. Especially women-owned businesses, which tend to be less likely to get funding and more likely to face challenges with work-life balance, juggling childcare alongside business-related responsibilities. With recession an economic possibility, there's much to be worried about in this time of recovery, and small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. It is my hope this administration will continue to not just listen to the needs of small business owners, but prioritize their needs and protect their interests."
Sarah Sladek

Immediate Past President, NAWBO Richmond (National Association of Women Business Owners) and Owner of XYZ University LLC

Richmond, VA 

“Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy. Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in the past nineteen years in bringing economic opportunities to Asian American businesses from both the government, private sector, and the global markets. We appreciate all the available support, encouragement, and grassroots outreach opportunities from our government that add value, growth, and more opportunities for the Asian American businesses, our constituents in the Commonwealth of Virginia.” 

Ms. My Lan Tran, CED, CIT, CVET

Executive Director, Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce

Administrator, Virginia Asian Foundation

Richmond, VA 

“Women business owners have historically struggled to access capital, the SSBCI is working to improve access to capital for small business owners.  Small businesses create good paying jobs right here in our community and with support, we can compete in the global market. It’s encouraging to see the federal government invest in our success and recognize the critical role small businesses play in building a stronger, more resilient economy.” 

Lauren Zangardi Haynes, CFP, CIMA, CEPA

Spark Financial Advisors

Richmond, VA

To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Future Network Co-Chair Walt Rowen or small business owners, 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 coalition of small business owners and leaders nationwide working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing a just and equitable economic framework that works for small business owners, their employees and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.