Davids Hosts U.S. SBA Administrator Guzman, Releases New Report on State of Kansas Small Business
OLATHE, KS – Yesterday, Representative Sharice Davids joined U.S. Small Business Administrator (SBA) Isabella Casillas Guzman to highlight the importance of supporting Kansas small businesses. After touring Mid-State Aerospace, a local aircraft supplies manufacturer, Davids released a new report on the current state of small business in Kansas' Third Congressional District. Davids is a member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee where she chairs the Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access.
"I've said it before, entrepreneurship is baked into the DNA of the Kansas Third District," said Davids. "I know the past few years have been difficult for our small business owners in our state and around the country. That's why I'm working to make sure they have the necessary resources and opportunities to grow and contribute to the global economy. It was a pleasure hosting Administrator Guzman today to show off the innovation and determination we have right here at home."
"Small manufacturers like Kansas City's Mid-State Aerospace and local restaurants like 1889 Pizza Napoletana are bringing jobs and vibrancy to their communities, driving local economic development and keeping the American dream alive," said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, U.S. Small Business Administration. "With landmark new policies like the Inflation Reduction Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, new opportunities lie on the horizon for entrepreneurs and innovators from every zip code, and we'll continue to work with Congresswoman Davids, the Small Business Committee, and all of Congress to make sure they get the support they need to navigate those opportunities, to grow, and to succeed."
Rep. Sharice Davids and SBA Ambassador Isabella Guzman touring Mid-State Aerospace's manufacturing facility in Olathe, KS. Photo credit SBA.
In the new report, Davids shares insight into the recent growth of local small businesses and what she is doing in Congress to support that growth, including voting to strengthen domestic supply chains and introducing legislation to support women business owners. Key findings include:
- In 2021, 10,600 new business applications were filed in Kansas' Third District, up from an average of 7,500 since 2019.
- The Kansas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) served 1,203 clients in 2021, leading to $49 million in annual sales, 876 jobs created, and 24 new businesses.
- In 2021, Kansas' Third District had 16,173 small businesses employing 175,911 people – making up 92.2 % of all district employers.
"SBA's STEP Grant Program has been instrumental in assisting us to promote the breadth of our fabrication capabilities in the global marketplace as well as expand our international customer base and generate additional revenue," said Rob Rogers, President, Mid-State Aerospace.
"As the resource for Kansas small to medium-sized manufacturers, KMS is grateful for Representative Davids' support of manufacturers and of our program," said Tiffany Stovall, Chief Executive Officer of Kansas Manufacturing Solutions. "It allows us to continue to meet companies where they need us and provide critical services to help them grow their businesses and provide jobs to Kansans. We're appreciative of Rep. Davids bringing Administrator Guzman here to see Kansas companies in action!"
Rep. Sharice Davids and SBA Ambassador Isabella Guzman eating dinner at 1889 Pizza Napoletana. Photo credit SBA.
Davids and Administrator Guzman toured Mid-State Aerospace Inc., a minority- and women-owned aviation parts manufacturer in Olathe, which supplies goods for major aviation companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin. The small business has utilized SBA's State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) to increase the amount of product they export globally. Davids recently announced an award of $200,000 in federal funding for Kansas' STEP program.
Following the tour, Davids and Administrator Guzman visited 1889 Pizza Napoletana in Kansas City, KS. The local restaurant has received support from the Kansas Small Business Development Center since 2013.
Davids has been a strong advocate for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Last month, she hosted a roundtable discussion with local technology and manufacturing leaders to discuss how legislations will help bring jobs to the area, lower costs for consumers, and support workforce development. Davids also recently visited several local businesses, including the Fairfax General Motors plant that went idle for months last year and local medical device suppliers who have been struggling to serve patients.