Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed Meets Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders in Boise, Idaho

Press release RO25-01

The Deputy Administrator Also Participated in a Fireside Chat During Boise Entrepreneur Week

Published on October 2, 2024

BOISE, Idaho - On Tuesday, Oct. 1, White House-appointed Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was in Boise to meet with entrepreneurs and business leaders to learn more about Idaho's business landscape and participate in a fireside chat during Boise Entrepreneur Week.

Deputy Administrator Syed's first stop was at Boise State University to tour studio/Blu, a unique consortium of universities, tech sector associations and manufacturing. The Deputy Administrator learned about how these organizations and students are collaborating to work with businesses at all stages including assisting with concept, design, prototyping and launching.

He then participated in two roundtables: the first with small business owners and the second with SBA business ecosystem partners. During the first roundtable, Deputy Administrator Syed engaged with a diverse panel of Boise area technology-driven entrepreneurs. They discussed successes, challenges and opportunities, as well as the SBA's focus on supporting small business innovation.

The second roundtable featured a deep dive into Boise's business ecosystem. The Deputy Administrator and participants also discussed ways to provide more comprehensive support to underserved entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Deputy Administrator Syed finished the day by attending Boise Entrepreneur Week and participating in a fireside chat with Tom Kealey, Director, Idaho Department of Commerce. They explored the intersection of public policy and entrepreneurship. Deputy Administrator Syed and Director Kealey also discussed initiatives to assist small businesses, aid economic development and foster innovation in the United States.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, the United States has experienced a Small Business Boom, with a record 19.4 million new small business applications since President Biden took office - and this historic small business growth is being powered by women and people of color. Idaho alone has seen more than 107,000 new business applications filed since President Biden took office.

Media interested in scheduling an interview with Deputy Administrator Syed should contact [email protected].

###

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.