Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding with the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) to promote civic engagement and voter registration in Michigan. The agreement, running through Jan. 1, 2036, marks the SBA’s first-ever collaboration of this kind.
In a statement, Administrator Guzman emphasized the importance of democracy in economic success, stating, “Protecting and strengthening our democracy is critical to our economic success and a core goal of the Biden-Harris Administration.” She highlighted the significance of connecting small business owners to voter registration information, stating, “Small businesses are busy working on and in their businesses, and by meeting them where they are – on our website and at our small business outreach events – we can help facilitate voter registration and civic engagement so their voices are heard.”
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson expressed pride in the partnership, noting, “I’m proud we are working with the Small Business Administration for this first-in-the-nation effort connecting Michigan’s small business community with the tools and information they need to play an even greater active role in our democracy.”
As part of the MOU, the MDOS will provide a unique URL for the SBA to drive online visitors to register to vote. Additionally, MDOS officials may conduct in-person voter registration at the SBA’s small business outreach events, aiming to empower Michigan’s thriving small business community, which employs 1.9 million Michiganders through over 900,000 small businesses.
The collaboration aligns with President Biden’s Executive Order, encouraging federal agencies to expand citizens’ opportunities to register to vote. In addition to the MOU, the SBA will promote voter registration nationwide by incorporating information on Vote.gov in various marketing materials, website, social media channels, and through signage at SBA offices and events across the country.
To further support voter registration efforts in Michigan, individuals can visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/. For more information about SBA’s loan programs, financial assistance, and services, visit www.sba.gov.
The U.S. Small Business Administration serves as a crucial resource for small businesses, empowering entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to start, grow, expand, or recover from disasters. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships, the SBA continues to make the dream of business ownership a reality for many across the nation.
