WC Georgia News

ALBANY, GA – On May 3, 2023, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA02) joined officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) at Albany State University for a day-long event at which he also delivered opening remarks. The event was organized to raise awareness about federal resources, technical assistance, and contracting opportunities available to Southwest Georgia entrepreneurs and small businesses owners.

“While I continue to fight in Congress to make sure these federal programs are well funded, events like this ensure Southwest Georgians are aware of these opportunities and that we are doing our best to engage the full potential of our communities, including underserved and rural communities,” said Congressman Bishop. “The U.S. Small Business Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation provide funding and loans, marketing and technical assistance, and other essential resources for our local entrepreneurs, including small farmers and ranchers – crucial investments in the small businesses which are the backbone of our economy.”

In 2020 and 2021, Congress passed the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, respectively, which funded SBA programs such as the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), all of which were an essential lifeline for many small businesses during the recent pandemic. 

But resources for small businesses are not limited to disaster relief. There are many programs across federal departments and agencies that support American businesses. 

This event created a forum for the local business community to professionally network with one another, financial services institutions, and federal program managers – based in Washington, DC and Georgia – with which they can work to grow their business enterprises. 

Small business owners can visit www.sba.gov and www.grants.gov to learn about federal programs for small businesses.

Original source can be found here.