By: Jim Spencer, SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator
The Mid-Atlantic Region serves: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
Have you ever attended a sporting event where no score was kept? Without a scoreboard, it’s impossible to know who’s winning, where improvement is needed, or how much progress has been made. Business and economic development are no different. Clear goals and measurable outcomes create accountability, guide decision-making, and demonstrate success. Throughout my career, I have believed that meaningful results require meaningful measurement.
I have also carried forward a lesson from my father: “Put your cookies on a table low enough that anyone can get one.” Opportunity should be accessible – not reserved for a select few. That philosophy aligns with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s mission to empower entrepreneurs and ensure that every small business has the opportunity to start, grow, and succeed. I would like to highlight a few areas in which American entrepreneurs can seek opportunity and measure success.
One powerful tool provided to every American exactly one year ago has been provided through President Trump’s Working Family Tax Cuts enacted into law, which reflects that commitment helps not only middle-class and working families through tax relief but also strengthens our small business community. For example, No Tax on Tips or Overtime ensures hardworking employees’ overtime and tip income is exempted from federal tax. Certainty is restored for millions of small business owners with the 20% small business pass-through deduction made permanent so they can reinvest in hiring more workers, their own growth, as well as their communities. The savings for hard-working Americans is measurable and real and is making a positive difference across our communities.
The SBA’s Made in America initiative is similarly focused and provides opportunity and measurable results. The Initiative rebuilds domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening America’s supply chains. Manufacturing output has continued to grow in recent months, reflecting renewed investment in U.S.-based production. The SBA is supporting this effort through its Make Onshoring Great Again Portal, which connects American suppliers with manufacturers seeking domestic sourcing partners and helps expand opportunities for small manufacturers across the country. Again, we are seeing measurable results from an Initiative provided to every American entrepreneur. The Nation is witnessing manufacturing output expanded, leading to better paying jobs, renewed investment in U.S.-based production, and an even higher demand for American small business products globally.
Another example of opportunity for small business and measurable success is provided through the SBA’s Supplier Matchmaker program. Recent Supplier Matchmaking Expos held in Charlotte and Detroit brought together small businesses, major corporations, and government procurement officials to create meaningful contracting opportunities. In Detroit alone, of the more than 600 attendees, 140 small businesses participated in one-on-one sessions with major corporations, and government procurement officials. Eighty-two percent reported high satisfaction and nearly half expected more than $250,000 in new business opportunities—some exceeding $1 million. These results represent far more than statistics; they represent businesses growing, jobs being created, and communities becoming stronger. This is measurable success.
Opportunity, however, must be matched with preparation.
Success requires businesses to be informed, confident, and ready to compete. That is why the SBA Mid-Atlantic Region is launching the Mid-Atlantic Matchmaker Prep Series, a coordinated four-part training initiative designed to prepare small businesses for competitive contracting opportunities. Operating as One SBA, our seven Mid-Atlantic District Offices will offer the series in both in-person and virtual formats, ensuring that entrepreneurs throughout the region can participate.
The series includes four practical sessions:
Session 1: Build a Capability Statement That Opens Doors
Session 2: Know Your Market, Win the Contract
Session 3: Pitch Like a Pro: From Nervous to Notable
Session 4: Maximize Business Development Opportunities and Series Recap
The SBA Pittsburg District Office will be kicking off the region with their 4-training session starting July 8. The West Virginia District Office begins their hybrid series virtually and in person in Fairmont, WV on August 4. Find more information on the WV series at www.sba.gov/district/west-virginia.
Other District Offices training schedules can be found at: www.sba.gov/district/baltimore; www.sba.gov/district/delaware; www.sba.gov/district/eastern-pennsylvania; www.sba.gov/district/pittsburgh; www.sba.gov/district/richmond; www.sba.gov/district/washington-dc; www.sba.gov/district/west-virginia.
Small businesses across the region are encouraged to participate, take advantage of these resources, and position themselves for success- MEASURABLE success. I will be attending several of the regional events and look forward to connecting with many of you.
The SBA stands ready to empower entrepreneurs to start and grow their small businesses. Visit www.sba.gov to learn more about the SBA.
