The number of new small businesses in the U.S. continues to climb at a record rate — an indication that many people who are quitting their jobs have begun to work for themselves.
But for small business owners from all backgrounds to grow and thrive, access to resources is critical.
The Small Business Administration began a national bus tour this week in the Atlanta neighborhood of Vine City. That’s where Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA, chatted with city officials and small business owners.
Guzman says the majority of the nearly 5.5 million new small businesses started last year across the country were launched by women and people of color, a feat, she says, that isn’t always easy.
“Those are the entrepreneurs that also face historic barriers and challenges in trying to start their businesses and grow and sustain them,” said Guzman. “And if we don’t achieve narrowing that opportunity gap that they face to create jobs and create revenues, then our economy suffers.”
Read this story now for free
To continue reading, sign up for our newsletter and get unlimited access to WABE.org
You can select your preferences for news and local content. We will never share your email address. Learn how your newsletter sign-up will support WABE and Public Media
