Yesterday, we had the privilege of participating in a roundtable discussion hosted by Senator Edward Markey and the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Isabel Guzman. The discussion focused on the critical challenges small businesses encounter in equitably participating in the clean energy economy. The SBA's new Green Lender Program aims to address these barriers by attracting private capital to support small businesses in advancing clean energy investments. We want to give special thanks to our Senior Economic Inclusion Manager, Russell Paul, for his invaluable contributions to this important conversation!
BECMA was proud to participate alongside our member Shonté Davidson and Better Together Braintrust (BT2) in a roundtable hosted by Senator Edward Markey and U.S. Small Business Administration Isabel Guzman. We provided input on federal support for innovation and capital access for small businesses to participate in the climate economy and green transition. We were excited to hear about the SBA's new Green Lender Initiative, which will expand access to capital for small businesses contributing to decarbonizing our economy. A special shoutout to Shonte Davidson and all the entrepreneurs who shared how government support has been critical to their growth, and how new initiatives can best foster a robust and inclusive green economy. We extend our thanks to Massachusetts Institute of Technology for hosting us at The Engine Accelerator, and to Senator Ed Markey, Administrator Guzman, Undersecretary Ashley Stolba, Chief Segun Idowu, Steven Lee, Director Robert Nelson, Assistant Director Nadine Boone, Daniel Lily, and Russell Paul for their commitment and coordination in delivering funds directly to small businesses.