By Jim Spencer, SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator
The Mid-Atlantic Region serves: Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia.
When I received notification, I was being appointed by the Trump Administration as the SBA’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator under the leadership of SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, to say I was honored and excited is an understatement.
Like anyone new to a position, there was a learning curve (and a lot of acronyms to become familiar with), but I was eager to ramp up quickly. I took the approach of getting out in the field and learning from the seasoned staff and entrepreneurs in the region and asking them one question: “what does right look like?” Once you understand that answer, you can move quicker, make better decisions, and deliver real results.
I’ve always believed in being direct. Around our offices, and throughout my travels in the region, you’ll often hear me say, “dont tickle my ears,” and what I mean by that is: dont tell me what you think I want to hear, give me the truth, and lets solve problems together. That approach has helped me, and our team, stay focused on the outcomes that matter – helping small businesses.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what the SBA is all about.
Over the past year, I’ve traveled across the Mid-Atlantic region, meeting entrepreneurs in big cities, small towns, and rural communities. I’ve walked factory floors, toured storefronts, sat down with entrepreneurs, and listened to their stories – stories of risk, resilience, innovation, and grit. These conversations are the most rewarding part of my role.
It is truly the privilege of a lifetime to serve in a role where I get to support the people who power our economy. Small businesses aren’t just economic drivers; they are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, inspire innovation, and bring character and identity to the places we call home.
One concept I’ve come back to time and again is economic gardening. It’s the idea that we don’t just recruit growth, we cultivate it. We invest in the businesses and entrepreneurs that are already rooted in our communities and give them the tools, capital, and support they need to scale. When we do that well, the impact multiplies.
Last week I spent time in DC with SBA Administrator Loeffler and her leadership team. Every time I am around her and the team, my battery is charged and I am eager to do more. I am proud to be part of the SBA team and the work that is so critical for growth in our country. Yes, policy does matter and there is still much to do, and I’m eager to continue building on the relationships, insights, and momentum we’ve gained.
To every small business owner I’ve met, thank you. Your hard work, vision, and perseverance is what makes this role so meaningful. To those I haven’t, I hope we can connect soon. Visit www.sba.gov to find an SBA office near you to receive the help you need to start and grow your small business.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration:
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and 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
