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Iowa Small Business Owners Urge Senators To Swiftly Confirm Dilawar Syed As Deputy SBA Administrator 

Small business owners express support for Dilawar Syed who’s nomination to the Deputy SBA administrator post has been stalled since 2021

March 6, 2023– Dilawar Syed has the experience and drive to be a strong champion for small business and senators should act on his confirmation with haste. 

As a California-based entrepreneur in software, health care and artificial intelligence Syed has the background and knowledge of the needs of Main Street. If confirmed, he would be the highest-ranking Muslim in the Biden administration but his nomination has been stalled at least five times. 

Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy. They made deep sacrifices during the pandemic and are still dealing with aftershocks. With the market being so fragile they deserve every tool and resource available including a fully staffed SBA.

Here’s what Iowa small business leaders are saying about the urgent need to hold a vote and confirm Syed.

“It is a critical moment for small business owners. The SBA will play a crucial role in advocating for and executing the policies that will help small business owners rebound from the pandemic and juggle inflationary pressures. Rural businesses were hit particularly hard during the pandemic, So with a position like Deputy SBA Administrator vacant the agency is not functioning at full strength and our small business economy will continue to suffer. Senators should act swiftly and confirm Dilawar Syed.” 

Frank Spillers,  Co-Owner of Rural Community Solutions, Atlantic, IA 

“Our economy, while showing signs of growth, is fragile. Small business owners like me, would like the assurance that the SBA is fully staffed and functional to help the needs of Main Street if there is sudden turbulence in the markets.  We need Dilawar Syed on the job.” 

Reginald McDade, Owner of Human Capital Strategies & Solutions, Ankeny, IA 

“Dilawar Syed has shown grace and waited for far too long for a vote on his confirmation. The only issue his nomination should be tied to is the advancement of Main Street. I am confident in his ability to lead as second-in-command and should be confirmed.” 

Kimberlee Spillers, Co-Owner of Rural Community Solutions, Atlantic, IA 

“We need the SBA to be fully staffed to help small businesses succeed in an unpredictable economy caused by the pandemic. Entrepreneurs deserve all the tools and resources they can get including a deputy administrator”

Kelly Finn, Owner of FinnPREP, Cedar Rapids, IA 

“Dilawar Syed is qualified to serve as deputy administrator. I urge lawmakers to recognize that leaving this role vacant is doing more harm than good for small businesses. Main Street can benefit from his leadership skills and business background. I am urging lawmakers to move forward with a vote on his nomination.” 

Rex Lawrence, Firehouse Bar and Grill, Davenport, IA 

To request an interview with Small Business for America’s Future network members contact Janel Knight Trulear at (617) 875-6581 or janel@emccommunications.com. 

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About Small Business for America’s Future
Small Business for America’s Future is a coalition of small business owners and leaders nationwide working to provide small businesses a voice at every level of government. We’re committed to ensuring policymakers prioritize Main Street by advancing a just and equitable economic framework that works for small business owners, their employees and their communities. Visit www.smallbusinessforamericasfuture.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. #SmallBizAF.