Readout of SBA Administrator Guzman’s Small Business Digital Alliance Event in Denver

U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman joined Principal Financial Group® for a panel discussion highlighting the usage of digital tools for the financial health of entrepreneurs

THIS PRESS RELEASE WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ON AUGUST 18, 2023

DENVER – On Wednesday, August 16, SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman participated in a panel discussion in Denver hosted by Principal®, a global financial company and a member of the SBA’s Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA).

Before the SBDA panel, Administrator Guzman met with Business Forward and Principal executives before being introduced by Jim Doyle, the President of Business Forward.

Administrator Guzman then joined the discussion with small business owners moderated by Amy Friedrich, President of Benefits and Protection at Principal. Panel participants discussed how the digital world is changing the small business landscape and how public-private partnerships like the SBDA can support entrepreneurship.

“Digital solutions are important for small businesses in today’s market environment – they can mean more customers in the door, greater efficiencies, and the capacity to build a strong workforce – all critical for success,” said Administrator Guzman. “The SBA is excited to work with the Small Business Digital Alliance to help ensure entrepreneurs can power their growth with technology and create jobs and opportunity in our economy.”

"We consistently hear from small business owners how busy they are," said Friedrich. "Over the last several years, businesses have faced challenges head-on, and many have pivoted their operating models to include digital tools and technology to reach their customers and run their businesses more effectively. Public-private partnerships, like the SBDA, are key to promoting solutions that help employers access the tools they need to grow, attract and retain talent, and build resilience."

For follow-up interview requests for Administrator Guzman, please contact Rebecca Galanti at rebecca.galanti@sba.gov.

About the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA)

The Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA) is a joint co-sponsorship agreement between the SBA and Business Forward that brings together major players, influencers, and companies in the e-commerce technology space to help small businesses connect with resources and reach new customers through expanded e-commerce opportunities through training, tools, and expansion of their digital networks – free of charge. To learn more, visit www.smallbusinessdigitalalliance.com.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration  

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. 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, 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.