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Contreras-Sweet Confirmed as SBA Administrator

Senate Confirms Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet to Lead the SBA

Today the Senate confirmed Maria Contreras-Sweet as Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). CAMEO congratulates Administrator Contreras-Sweet as she takes on this important new role.

Administrator Contreras-Sweet spoke at CAMEO’s 2009 Viva! Event and is a founding board member of the Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce, a CAMEO member. We know firsthand that she understands the importance of microbusinesses to the economy. During her testimony she said she “is very much in support of microloan programs” and CDFI’s and “programs like CAMEO… have been really good stewards of making sure that particularly underserved communities… that they’re [CAMEO, et al] providing for that first line of credit.“

We look forward to working with Administrator Contreras-Sweet, whose roles have included: entrepreneur, founder of ProAmérica Bank, a Los Angeles-based community bank, and cabinet secretary of the California Business, Transportation and Housing Agency. Her experience will serve her well in her new position at the SBA.

We welcome Administrator Contreras-Sweet and we are excited to have an ally who understands the need of America’s smallest businesses at the helm of the Small Business Administration. We look forward to partnering with her to help entrepreneurs of all shapes and sizes start and grow their businesses.