Empowering Small Businesses: A Letter to Kelly Loeffler

Open Letter to SBA Administrator Nominee Kelly Loeffler

PETALUMA, Calif. — The American Small Business League (ASBL) was founded on the belief that small businesses play a crucial role in sustaining a vibrant economy. Lloyd Chapman, the president of ASBL, addresses Kelly Loeffler, urging her to prioritize these businesses in her new role as the administrator for the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Importance of Small Businesses

Congratulations on your nomination! With over 99% of businesses in America categorized as small, the SBA holds significant importance in our government. It is imperative for the president to ensure that the SBA is adequately funded and staffed, as it supports the 34 million small businesses contributing to over 98% of all new jobs. These firms represent a major part of the workforce for many Americans.

Challenges Facing Small Businesses

The Small Business Act is regarded as the largest economic stimulus initiative in history by directing federal spending to uplift the middle class. Unfortunately, numerous investigations have revealed a concerning trend where contracts intended for small firms are incorrectly awarded to Fortune 500 companies. This misallocation misrepresents the actual engagement the federal government has with legitimate small businesses.

Call for Transparency

In 2005, the SBA’s own Office of Inspector General published a report highlighting this issue and pointed out how large firms were improperly receiving small business procurement awards. This discrepancy remains prevalent today. As the new administrator, you have the opportunity to rectify this situation and ensure that genuine small businesses receive rightful recognition and support.

Accountability in Contract Awards

Over the years, I have been involved in numerous legal challenges, advocating for transparency regarding the names of companies counted in SBA's compliance measures for federal contracting goals. It is essential for the American people to have clarity on how their tax dollars are allocated. They should not need to engage in prolonged legal disputes simply to unveil the list of businesses that the SBA claims have benefited from federal contracts.

Support for Women-Owned Businesses

It is crucial to empower women-owned businesses by providing them equitable opportunities in securing federal contracts. Women constitute half of the population and own almost half of all businesses in the country. Historically, firms owned by men have garnered the majority of federal contracts, which is neither fair nor just.

Moving Toward Equity

There have been proposals aimed at increasing the federal contracting goal for woman-owned businesses considerably, such as raising it to 25%. Even though this would still favor men-owned businesses, it presents a progressive step toward ensuring equity in federal contracting opportunities.

Encouraging Fair Practices

The ASBL has initiated campaigns aimed at fighting discrimination against woman-owned businesses in federal contracting. Your leadership can pave the way for new standards at the SBA, fostering a culture of honesty and integrity that benefits the vast majority of American businesses.

A Vision for the Future

With authentic efforts, we can usher in a new era for the Small Business Administration—one that truly works for the benefit of the over 99% of American firms recognized as small. We look forward to seeing how your decisions will help shape a more equitable landscape for all business owners.

Sincerely,

Lloyd Chapman
President, American Small Business League

About American Small Business League (ASBL): Founded in 2004, the ASBL aims to assist the nation’s extensive network of small businesses and advocates especially for women, minorities, and service-disabled veterans. Their mission is to uphold the principle that small businesses are critical to a thriving economy and deserve a fair share of federal contracts, as stipulated by the Small Business Act. Learn more about ASBL's initiatives and mission at their official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the open letter?

The letter aims to communicate the importance of supporting small businesses and to outline key challenges they face in federal contracting opportunities.

Who is the author of the letter?

Lloyd Chapman, the president of the American Small Business League, authored the letter directed to Kelly Loeffler.

Why are small businesses significant to the economy?

Small businesses represent over 99% of all businesses in America and contribute to more than 98% of new job creation, making them essential for economic growth.

What issues does the SBA face according to the letter?

The letter highlights issues of misclassification of federal contracting awards, where large corporations receive contracts intended for small businesses.

What is ASBL’s stance on women-owned businesses?

ASBL advocates for equitable opportunities for women-owned businesses, calling for increased federal contracting goals to include a fair share for women entrepreneurs.

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