San Antonio, Texas— Today, U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) and U.S. Small Business Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman met in San Antonio where they visited three small businesses in the Brook City Base area. They spoke to the owners of Luna Rosa Puerto Rican Grill and Tapas, Big Lou’s Pizza, and City Base 12 Cinemas to discuss how they have been able to weather the pandemic with the assistance of federal funds secured through the Small Business Administration. During the visits, they also went over the different ways the federal government can further assist small business which serve as the backbone to our national economy. 

After listening to the local business owners, the Congressman and Administrator held a press conference to discuss their interactions with the owners, and how these businesses were able to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Administrator then provided recommendations for additional federal relief efforts and the Biden Administration’s plan for small businesses. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic pushed our small business industry in unimaginable ways. Overnight, thousands of businesses were forced to close their doors while bills and payrolls continued to add up. In response, I passed critical legislation that allowed us to provide billions in federal relief funds for small businesses across the nation,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The three small businesses that we visited today have been serving San Antonio residents for over 37 years combined. They are an integral part of our community and provide steady jobs for hundreds of residents. Through the Small Business Administration, we were able to provide nearly $5 million in federal aid so that they could retain their employees and keep their doors open for business. Our small businesses are the heartbeat of our national economy and we cannot afford to lose them. Thank you, Administrator Isabella Guzman, for taking the time to visit us today and for working with me to keep our economy’s motor running. Your unwavering commitment with business owners has been a determining factor on setting a clear path to recovery. I truly appreciate your role at the front of the administration as we continue to move forward.”

“I was thrilled to travel to San Antonio to meet with small business owners and hear their inspiring stories. These entrepreneurs have demonstrated impressive resilience and innovation as we continue to recover from this pandemic. I want to thank Congressman Cuellar for his leadership and for hosting us in Texas. Congressman Cuellar has long been a committed champion of resources for entrepreneurship and for small business, and I am thankful for his partnership as we continue to Build Back Better,” said Administrator Guzman. 

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