Dilawar Syed’s Post

EDGE is excited to announce that Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed of the U.S. Small Business Administration will visit Memphis on July 10 at the invitation of City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young. During his time here, he will discuss funding access for small businesses in underserved communities. Space is limited. Contact Trey Moore at tmoore@edgemem.com or Mairi Albertson at mairi.albertson@memphistn.gov for more information.

During the recent visit to the vibrant community of Huntsville, the U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator, Dilawar Syed and the SBA Alabama team had the privilege of joining local leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It was truly inspiring to witness the dynamism and ingenuity driving small businesses forward in this region. From engaging with Mayors Tab Bowling, Tommy Battle, and Paul Finley at the 37th Marshall Small Business Alliance meeting, to delivering remarks on government contracting opportunities at the US Space and Rocket Center, the Deputy Administrator was able to see that Huntsville is a hub of innovation and collaboration. He also had the opportunity to meet with remarkable businesses like ReLogic Research, a trailblazer in missile and aviation technology, and enjoyed a delicious lunch hosted by the owners of Churchstreet Family Restaurant & Hospitality Group, Stephanie and Matt, who are opening their 10th business in Huntsville. Another highlight of the visit was the enriching discussions held at the tech business incubator, The University of Alabama in Huntsville I2C facility, and The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship, one of our designated Women’s Business Centers. These gatherings underscored the depth of talent and diversity within Huntsville's business community, and through continued collaboration and support from organizations like the SBA and its resource partners, these ventures will reach new heights of success. A special thank you to the City of Huntsville, AL for the warm welcome and insightful conversations. Let's continue to innovate, collaborate, and empower small businesses to thrive! 💼🚀 SBA Southeast Region #SmallBusiness #Innovation #Collaboration #HuntsvilleAL #SBA #Entrepreneurship

Last week, the SBA Indiana District Office welcomed U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Dilawar Syed to the region for a two-day visit to highlight America's Small Business Boom and the innovation economy in Indianapolis.   He kicked off his visit at MOTW Coffee and Pastries as a guest of Patchwork Indy and Asian American Alliance, Inc. to discuss SBA-backed resources for immigrants and refugee entrepreneurs pursuing startups in emerging tech, including America’s Seed Fund grants.   Next, he headed to the offices of SBA Indiana 2023 Small Business Person of the Year, Danny Portee, owner of Professional Management Enterprises, Inc. and Well Trans, where he met with 8(a) Business Development graduates, participants and Indiana Economic Development Corp leaders on how to leverage opportunities and resources in federal contracting. Danny and the other 8(a) contractors provided valuable feedback on how SBA can make the program more flexible and accessible for minority entrepreneurs.   Later that day, Deputy Administrator Syed traveled to local food and artisan marketplace incubation space, The Amp at 16Tech to meet with Chef Monique Hawkins and her daughter Kara, owners of Taste of Innova Wings and Greens. They shared their story of how launching their business during the pandemic and working with SBA has led to rapid growth – with four locations and a partnership with the NBA in just a year and a half!   Deputy Administrator Syed finished off his first day with a fireside chat hosted by Elevate Ventures and TechPoint at 16Tech, where he discussed SBA’s strategic priorities to democratize access to capital through historic reforms, opening up funding and investment resources for more startups across Indiana's burgeoning tech innovation scene. The next day, Deputy Administrator Syed started off the day at the SBA Indiana District Office where he provided opening remarks for an event hosted by third-party innovation ecosystem orchestrator Applied Research Institute focused on SBA SBIR/STTR and federal contracting resources.    Deputy Administrator Syed also had the opportunity to tape an interview with WISH-TV Business, Equity and Opportunity Show. Watch here→ https://lnkd.in/ebJAZnJY   In support of "International Day to Combat Islamophobia," Deputy Administrator Syed ended his visit to Indiana with a visit to a mosque in Plainfield with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), where he shared President Biden’s strategy for combatting Islamophobia, and led an interactive discussion on SBA entrepreneurship outreach to Muslim communities with SBA tools and resources.