Press Releases

ARKANSAS—August 13, 2021….Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today welcomed SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman to Arkansas’s Third District. Womack and Guzman traveled throughout Northwest Arkansas to hear from small business owners about pandemic recovery, discuss economic programs, and talk about economic development and growth in the region. Additional details about the visit, which included business roundtables and tours, can be found below.

Congressman Womack said, “Small businesses are job creators and the engine of our economy. It was a privilege to welcome Administrator Guzman to Arkansas and share the endless determination and strong entrepreneurial spirit of our community. I’m grateful SBA was able to hear the needs and priorities of Third District job creators. Through small business tours and roundtables, we received firsthand insights into the success and challenges of pandemic assistance programs. We want to continue to build growth and opportunity.”

SBA Administrator Guzman said, “It is inspiring to visit small businesses that have worked so hard to adapt and survive after months of reduced operations, shutdowns, and uncertainty. I’m proud of the work SBA has done to get unprecedented amounts of federal aid into the hands of small business owners and to help bring our main streets and marketplaces back to life. I want to thank Congressman Womack for joining me today and for his leadership and partnership as we work together to help Arkansas businesses reopen, stay open and thrive.”

Visit Highlights:

Mundo-Tech Tour and Small Business Roundtable: Rep. Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman visited Mundo-Tech, a manufacturing company that produces specialty tubing and pipes for the aerospace, defense, and commercial airline industries. The company—which manufactures components for the F-35 that will soon fly out of Fort Smith—used Paycheck Protection Program assistance to support their business and workforce through the pandemic. Following a tour, a roundtable with Third District business leaders discussing SBA COVID-19 assistance, the Community Navigator Program, and economic development issues was held. Representatives, including business executives, regional administrators of the SBA, business advocacy groups, and chamber of commerce members from Fort Smith, Bentonville, Rogers, and Springdale, shared their thoughts on recovery and growth efforts.

Congressman Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman tour Mundo-Tech

Congressman Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman with local business leaders and organizations following roundtable at Mundo-Tech in Rogers

Arkansas Restaurant Business Leader Meeting: Rep. Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman traveled to the University of Arkansas Collaborative, which is focused on driving efforts that propel Arkansas’s innovation, entrepreneurial, and workforce ecosystems. They were joined by local restaurant and business representatives to discuss pandemic recovery efforts—including programs like the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and Restaurant Revitalization Fund—challenges facing the industry, and economic revitalization. Attendees also shared how local restaurants, employees, and residents worked together to support one another, give back to the community, and build strength during the many challenges of COVD-19. That resilient spirit is a pillar of the Third District.

Congressman Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman with local restaurant and business representatives

Arkansas restaurants and small businesses discuss recovery and growth efforts

TheatreSquared Tour and Venue Operator Forum: Rep. Womack and SBA Administrator Guzman toured TheatreSquared and then sat down with Third District recipients of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program, which helped provide relief to live entertainment small businesses, nonprofits, and venues during the pandemic.

Group forum with venue operators at TheatreSquared

Congressman Womack presents SBA Administrator Guzman with his challenge coin and thanks her for visiting Arkansas’s Third District

womack.house.gov

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