Amata Highlights National Small Business Week
Washington, D.C. – Wednesday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata highlighted National Small Business Week 2020.
"The nation's 30 million small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and that holds true for American Samoa, where most of our businesses by far are small businesses," said Aumua Amata. "During National Small Business Week we celebrate our entrepreneurs and local small employers that make our communities better. These businesses have faced unusual and severe challenges this year, with worldwide economic interruptions, new health restrictions, and the loss of typical travel and tourism. They deserve our appreciation and support.
"Congress responded to the shutdown in March with the historic CARES Act, and followed up with several bills appropriating more funds to those key programs. As a result, over $23.4 million in federal assistance was directed into American Samoa's small business economy. This was a combination of one-time emergency advances, forgivable loans, and loans on favorable terms," she continued. "The SBA's successful EIDL program is ongoing, while the PPP assistance, originally designed to be temporary, was extended twice. I strongly believe this effective PPP assistance should be renewed again, and will continue to support efforts in Congress to extend the program. I'm encouraged that those efforts are ongoing and that PPP itself has broad support throughout Congress. Thank you once again to our local lenders, our Chamber of Commerce, and efforts by the Small Business Development Center."
Read the White House Small Business Week proclamation here.
Find SBA information about National Small Business Week here.
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