Syed Testimony

Summary

The written opening testimony of Dilawar Syed, nominee for Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, to a Senate committee chaired by Chairman Cardin with Ranking Member Paul, dated April 21, 2021. Syed describes his career building early-stage businesses in software, consumer products, health care and artificial intelligence, and his civic work, including co-founding the California Entrepreneurship Task Force. He states that during the pandemic he led a campaign reaching more than 20,000 businesses about resources including the Paycheck Protection Program, and that his startup received and repaid PPP and EIDL loans. If confirmed, he commits to leading the SBA in partnership with Administrator Guzman and to continuing implementation of COVID relief for small businesses.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Full text

           Testimony of

       Dilawar Syed
 Nominee for Deputy Administrator
U.S. Small Business Administration
Thank you, Chairman Cardin, Ranking Member Paul, and members of the committee for the
opportunity to appear here today. Thank you also to Senator Kaine for the kind introduction. I
am deeply honored to be nominated by President Biden to serve as Deputy Administrator of the
Small Business Administration.

America’s 30 million small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. SBA’s mission of
supporting these entrepreneurs is more critical today than at any point in its history.

The economic challenge created by the COVID-19 pandemic has claimed millions of American
livelihoods, and so many of its small businesses. In the wake of this crisis, we have a once-in-a-
generation opportunity to build a more supportive, equitable, and resilient environment for small
business owners in every community across our great country.

I am an entrepreneur who has navigated a company through these difficult times. During the past
year, like many other small businesses, we have had to make critical decisions to save jobs and
preserve livelihoods.

I also know full well that there are many small businesses that have been impacted to a far
greater degree. Entrepreneurs in Black and Brown communities, rural and underserved regions
need our commitment and support more than ever.

For over two decades, I have built early-stage businesses and run companies in software,
consumer, and now health care and artificial intelligence. I am proud to have led teams that have
built digital tools used by thousands of Main Street businesses across America. Today, I guide a
team of scientists and engineers to help improve health outcomes. I have learned how to build
passionate teams that tackle intractable challenges; how to foster an empowering culture; and
how to create products that serve millions.

While my business career has been gratifying, it’s my work as a civic entrepreneur that I value
most, and what has driven me to serve.

My civic journey spans a decade serving communities that have too often been left behind. I
have spent time in Central Valley of California; Detroit; Philadelphia; and Atlanta–– advising
entrepreneurs in regions that many people would fly over or drive through, but that are brimming
with talent, promise, and aspiration.
After the Great Recession, as a White House AAPI Commissioner, I led engagement with Asian
Americans across the country, hosting listening sessions with small businesses, regional SBA
teams, and resource partners.

In my home state, which has over 4 million small businesses, I co-founded the California
Entrepreneurship Task Force to bridge regions like the San Joaquin Valley with networks in
Silicon Valley. I partnered with chambers of commerce, incubators, and universities to drive
inclusive entrepreneurship and innovation in rural heartland of our state.

During the pandemic, I led a campaign to raise awareness of resources, including the Paycheck
Protection Program, reaching more than 20,000 businesses. Our startup, like millions of small
businesses, received critical help through the PPP and the EIDL programs. I am grateful for the
assistance which allowed the company to keep all its employees, stabilize, and then repay the
PPP and EIDL loans.

During these challenging times, I saw firsthand the heart, skill, and resilience of our amazing
team. Through it all, they persevered.

I believe that my experience as a business leader and civic entrepreneur can help serve the SBA
and all those who rely on it.

If confirmed, I commit to leading the SBA – in partnership with Administrator Guzman and its
committed public servants – with urgency and purpose.

I will provide hands-on leadership to continue implementation of COVID relief for small
businesses and help rebuild those most affected by the pandemic.

I share Administrator Guzman’s commitment to be transparent, accessible, and responsive to this
Committee.

I want to thank my family for their support in this endeavor. I am sorry that they couldn’t be with
us today.

In closing: I am an immigrant. I came to America 30 years ago as a young student in pursuit of
education and opportunity. At that time, I never could have imagined that I would sit in this
chamber with this committee having been called to serve by the President of the United States at
this critical juncture.
This moment calls me like it should call all of us, including those in business, to roll up our
sleeves to build a better future.

What we do next will matter for generations of Americans. I welcome this challenge and the
opportunity to work alongside all of you. Thank you and I look forward to your questions.

                                                ###


File and source

File

Syed_Testimony.pdf

Size

167,546 bytes

SHA-256

450520356b4c4f3429484659fa53afc9b14b74932046169fc5123265ae1efb91

Our copy

Syed_Testimony.pdf

Original

No public link identified.