Letter: Modernize the SBA

I own a small business in Chicago, and this week I joined thousands of other small business owners from across the U.S. in an open letter calling on Congress to launch a bipartisan effort to modernize the Small Business Administration (SBA) to reflect today's economy.

Congress last reauthorized the SBA 22 years ago, before small business operations were revolutionized by the internet, smartphones and the proliferation of online retail. Today the competitive environment for small business owners is infinitely more challenging, and every small business owner must compete on a global stage. We need an SBA that reflects these changes, and which helps small business owners survive and thrive by equipping us with tools to succeed. The SBA should be modernizing entrepreneurial development programs, updating outdated technologies to allow expanded online offerings and providing more efficient communications with small business owners.

The potential upside is significant, benefiting our communities as we navigate a volatile, uncertain, technology-driven economy. Please call on our members of Congress to modernize the SBA.

Andrea Hill, CEO, Founder

Hill Management Group

Chicago