Reflections from SBA New England Regional Administrator Sandra Cano

Dear Small Business Community, ?

As my time as Regional Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration in New England draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I am forever grateful to President Biden for entrusting me with this appointment and to Administrator Guzman for her leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication to the small business community. Serving as the first Latina Regional Administrator for SBA New England under the Biden-Harris Administration has been an honor beyond words and a responsibility I carried with deep humility and pride.

From the moment I stepped into this role, I knew it was an opportunity to make a difference-one that would allow me to champion small businesses, empower underserved communities, and support the entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our economy. Over the past months, I’ve been fortunate to meet countless inspiring individuals, listen to their stories, and witness the transformative power of their work. ?

Reflecting on Our Accomplishments The work we’ve done together has been nothing short of extraordinary. Highlights from my tenure include:

• Kicking off Small Business Saturday in Wickford Village, Rhode Island, and encouraging communities throughout New England to shop small and invest locally.
• Supporting our veterans through workshops like Are You Lender Ready?
• Enhancing our system- MySba platform?
• Highlighting Native entrepreneurs during National Native American Heritage Month.
• Engaging with Hispanic entrepreneurs through my El Mundo Interview and keynoting the Café con Leche Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Annual Event.
• Launching the SBA Community Builders Network Initiative to foster deeper regional collaboration and impact.
• Attending and supporting our regions district directors and their teams in impactful events such as the New Hampshire Small Business Matchmaker, the RI Annual Lender Awards, and the Massachusetts Annual Meeting and Lender Awards at UMass.
• Hosting the SBA Leadership Roundtable with the Rhode Island Black Business Association to amplify voices and build bridges across communities.
• 662,000 new business applications across New England in the last 4 years
• Supported nearly $2 billion in financing through SBA's regular loan programs in 2024 through more than 5,000 loans

Thank you to the unwavering dedication of our partners, including lenders, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE, the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), SEED, federal agencies, and state and local governments. Their collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring we deliver on the SBA’s mission to empower and uplift entrepreneurs across New England.

These accomplishments were made possible by the remarkable people I had the privilege to work alongside. To Administrator Guzman, thank you for the invaluable lessons you’ve imparted through your steadfast leadership and innovative vision. To our district directors, Catherine Marx Diane Sturgeon Robert Nelson Amy Bassett , Robert Piechota and Darcy Carter, MBA and their teams across SBA Connecticut District Office , SBA Maine District Office SBA Massachusetts District Office SBA New Hampshire District Office SBA Rhode Island District Office , and SBA Vermont District Office —your dedication, resilience, and tireless commitment to small businesses have been a constant source of inspiration.

A Personal Reflection As an immigrant who once arrived in this country unable to speak English, I could never have imagined the path my life would take. Through hard work and unwavering determination, I not only learned the language but also owned a small business, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and triumphs that define the entrepreneurial journey. To now have had the opportunity to serve as Regional Administrator is a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when dreams are paired with perseverance. It is my hope that my story inspires others to believe in their own potential and reminds them that when we lift each other up, there are truly no limits to what we can achieve.

Through this role, I’ve learned lessons that will remain with me forever: the importance of listening deeply, the strength in collaboration, and the enduring impact of empowering others. These lessons have not only shaped me as a leader but as a person, and for that, I am profoundly grateful. ?

Looking Ahead As I prepare for the next chapter of my journey, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and the satisfaction of a job well done. The mission of the SBA is vital, and its impact is undeniable. I encourage everyone to continue supporting small businesses—not just during the holiday season, but every day. They are the heartbeat of our communities and the foundation of our economy.

Thank you to the small business owners, partners, and community leaders who made this experience so fulfilling. Thank you to my team, whose hard work and passion inspired me every day. And thank you to Administrator Guzman, whose leadership exemplifies the best of public service. GRACIAS!? It has been the honor of my life to serve as your Regional Administrator, and I look forward to staying connected and cheering on the continued success of this incredible region!

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Sandra Cano

Regional Administrator

SBA New England