WINDOW ROCK, AZ – On Tuesday, February 22, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for America’s 32.5 million small businesses in President Biden’s Cabinet, visited Window Rock, AZ. Administrator Guzman met with Navajo Nation leadership, highlighting the economic impact of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan and other relief programs. She also discussed opportunities presented by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
“My thanks to Navajo Nation President Nez, Vice President Lizer, and Speaker Damon who warmly welcomed me and shared insights on Navajo economic development and entrepreneurship,” said Administrator Guzman. “I greatly value the direct government-to-government engagement with Navajo nation leadership, local civic leaders, and small business owners who shared their stories of recovery and resilience. I am truly inspired by the Navajo entrepreneurs I met who have innovated to navigate the unique challenges rural business owners face – including a lack of delivery facilities and street addresses to receive shipments and limited broadband access. In the months ahead, our SBA team is committed to helping ensure Navajo entrepreneurs can seize the incredible opportunities on the horizon thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which will deliver more than $11 billion in new infrastructure projects across Indian Country, including affordable high-speed internet, to help more small business owners pursue the dream of starting and growing successful businesses.”
Administrator Guzman kicked off her trip by joining Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. They discussed new federal contracting changes that will level the playing field and help underserved and small disadvantaged businesses compete for contract opportunities. They also discussed SBA Resource Partners, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), Tribal colleges, and others also shared information on resources and opportunities for small business owners to increase their financial wellness at the event.
“We have many intelligent and gifted Navajo people who are striving to create and grow their
businesses and give back to our people and communities in the form of jobs, revenue, and the goods and services they provide. Through their commitment and innovation, our entrepreneurs persist through the federal and tribal red tape that hinders progress. Together, we are working with the Biden-Harris Administration to create solutions and one example is a white paper that our administration developed outlining regulations that need to be updated, which is being considered by the White House and our congressional leaders. We had a productive discussion with Administrator Guzman, Assistant Administrator Brossy, and our Navajo entrepreneurs who represent a big part of our local economy,” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez. “We have a shared goal of helping expand the reach of the Small Business Administration as well as seeking to continually improve its systems so it can serve more people more effectively. Having Administrator Guzman here is a strong partnership between our offices and a promise of future collaboration.”
During a roundtable with members of the Dineh Chamber of Commerce, Administrator Guzman talked to Navajo Nation small business owners about their needs. “It’s wonderful that a handful of Navajo entrepreneurs had this opportunity to let their issues and recommendations be heard by Administrator Guzman. None of these issues are new, but they need to be heard at this level of government to create the changes that are necessary to support economic growth and sustainability. We have an all-hands-on-deck mentality when it comes to working together with business owners and those who aspire to one day own a business,” said Navajo Nation Vice President Myron Lizer.
Administrator Guzman also met with the Navajo Nation Council to discuss how the federal government can continue to support small businesses in Navajo Nation. Dineh Chamber of Commerce interim chair Lydelle Davies shared with Administrator Guzman the impact of COVID-19 pandemic relief funds for businesses highlighting the vast number of Navajo business owners and artisans benefitting from assistance. According to the Division of Economic Development, over 7,000 Navajo business owners and artisans received relief funds through the CARES Act due to the pandemic.
Administrator Guzman also met with small businesses where they are, from a cosmetic business to a convenience store to flea markets, connecting them with funding, counseling, and training, contracting assistance, and more through SBA Resource Partners.
“We appreciate this opportunity to meet with Tribal leaders and small businesses in person to witness firsthand the efforts being made to grow economically in the Navajo Nation,” said Assistant Administrator of the Office of Native American Affairs Jackson Brossy. “We will continue to have regular dialogue to continue our outreach to Native American entrepreneurs from across the country to afford them every opportunity in access to SBA’s programs and initiatives.”
This visit marks the Administrator’s first official visit to Navajo Nation. In her first year in office, Administrator Guzman has visited 26 states and U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, and over 41 cities.
Photos from the trip are available below.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Caption: Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer meeting with U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman
Caption: U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman visited an Indigenous and Black-owned & operated small business in Window Rock, Az.
Caption: U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman visited Indigenous-owned & operated small businesses at a Flea Market in Window Rock, Az.
Caption: U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman is the guest speaker on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development and Dineh Chamber of Commerce in Window Rock, Az.
Caption: U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman is the guest speaker on Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the Navajo Nation Division of Economic Development and Dineh Chamber of Commerce in Window Rock, Az.
Caption: U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman meets with Navajo Nation President’s Staff Jared Touchin on Tuesday, Feb. 22 in Window Rock, Az.