Biden Cabinet Member Travels to New Orleans for Essence Festival of Culture Business Summit

NEW ORLEANS - On Friday, July 5, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)and the voice in President Biden's Cabinet for America's more than 33 million small businesses, traveled to New Orleans to participate in the Essence Festival of Culture and meet with 2024 National Small Business Person of the Year and Louisiana native, Iam C. Tucker.

In the morning, Administrator Guzman joined Ms. Tucker for a tour of one of her active project sites in the River District Neighborhood. During the tour, Administrator Guzman surveyed the ongoing work and discussed the various projects that Ms. Tucker's company, Integrated Logistical Support, Inc. (ILSI), has completed for New Orleans. The two also discussed how the Biden-Harris Administration's Investing in America agenda and her recent recognition as the SBA's 2024 National Small Business Person of the Year has impacted her business.

Later in the day, Administrator Guzman attended the 30thEssence Festival of Culture, where she participated in a fireside chat with Global Black Economic Forum President and CEO Alphonso David. During their discussion, Administrator Guzman highlighted how the SBA under President Biden is working to eliminate barriers that prevent underserved communities from achieving the American dream of business ownership. Under President Biden, the number of Black households owning a business has more than doubled.

For follow-up interview requests for Administrator Guzman, please contact Teddy Lake at [email protected]

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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 or 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.

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