Administrator Guzman Highlights Economic Initiatives at WHIAANHPI Summit in Irvine

Irvine, California – On August 8, 2024, U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman participated in the final White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) Economic Summit. Joined by U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Guzman addressed the audience, emphasizing the importance of supporting America’s 34 million small businesses, particularly within the AANHPI community. During a fireside chat moderated by Erika Moritsugu, Guzman reflected on the one-year anniversary of the devastating Maui wildfires, discussing the ongoing recovery efforts led by the Biden-Harris Administration. She highlighted the SBA's commitment to enhancing the economic prospects of AANHPI entrepreneurs, noting a significant increase in SBA-backed loans to this demographic, which underscores the administration's focus on entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment. Following the summit, Guzman and Tai visited Mercado González Northgate Market, a newly established Mexican food hall featuring over 20 vendors. The visit allowed them to engage with store leadership and sample various products, gaining insights into the market's early success in the Costa Mesa community. This interaction exemplified the administration's dedication to fostering small business growth and community engagement. For further inquiries or follow-up interviews with Administrator Guzman, interested parties are encouraged to contact Teddy Lake via email. The event underscored the administration's ongoing efforts to support diverse communities and promote economic resilience across the nation.