Chairman Williams: “Connecting SBA to Main Street: Examining the SBA Office of Field Operations”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the House Committee on Small Business is holding a hearing titled "Connecting SBA to Main Street: Examining the SBA Office of Field Operations."

Chairman Roger Williams' opening statement as prepared for delivery:

Welcome to today's hearing, "Connecting SBA to Main Street: Examining the SBA Office of Field Operations."

First, I want to thank our witness, Associate Administrator Shimkat, for appearing before the Committee.

Today, the Committee will review the activities of the SBA's Office of Field Operations - the office directly responsible for delivering resources to small businesses across the country.

Through its network of 68 district offices and 10 regional offices, the Office of Field Operations connects entrepreneurs with counseling, contracting opportunities, and access to capital. Just as importantly, these offices serve as a front door to the SBA, connecting small businesses with resource partners like Small Business Development Centers.

The SBA's field office staff works directly with small businesses. They hear entrepreneurs' concerns firsthand, help them navigate federal programs, and ensure that the SBA's services reach communities across the country.

This personal connection to Main Street is why it has been a priority to get the SBA out of Washington, D.C. and closer to the entrepreneurs and communities it serves. Small businesses should not have to navigate a distant bureaucracy to access the programs meant to help them succeed.

In 2025, SBA field staff hosted more than 30,000 local events and connected with nearly half a million entrepreneurs across the country. Field staff also play a critical role in federal disaster response efforts by connecting affected businesses with the financial assistance they need.

Field offices also played a key role in promoting American-made manufacturing through their Made in America Manufacturing Initiative and Roadshow events held across the country over the last year.

In the last year, the SBA helped connect small businesses with opportunities to strengthen American supply chains and promoted the newly launched Make Onshoring Great Again portal, which includes more than one million U.S. suppliers.

The portal helps businesses find American partners and reduce reliance on foreign production. This is just one of the resources that the SBA's district offices ensure Main Street is aware of.

Thank you for joining us today, Associate Administrator Shimkat. I look forward to hearing about the accomplishments of the Office of Field Operations and how Congress can continue strengthening the SBA's presence in communities across the country.

With that, I yield to our distinguished Ranking Member from New York, Ms. Velázquez, for her opening remarks.

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