SBA, UPR Carolina partner to aid small business
SBA Deputy District Director María de los A. de Jesús signs the Strategic Alliance Memorandum with UPR Carolina Chancellor Trinidad Fernández-Miranda.
The U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Puerto Rico Carolina Campus have signed a “Strategic Alliance Memorandum” to work together to strengthen and expand small business development on the island, SBA Deputy District Director María de los Ángeles de Jesús said Friday.
This alliance builds on an existing partnership with the UPR’s main Río Piedras Campus, the agency chief added.
“For several years, the SBA and the UPR have been joined by the common goal of promoting economic development opportunities for small business entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico,” de Jesús said. “Together, we commit to continue working toward increasing awareness and knowledge about the tools and resources available to help potential entrepreneurs start a small business and grow it successfully.”
“This collaboration between the University of Puerto Rico in Carolina and SBA expands and strengthens the development of small businesses in the geographic area that serves our institution, it represents a useful tool to enrich our curriculum, and we are sure will contribute to the island’s economic wellbeing,” said UPR Carolina Chancellor Trinidad Fernández-Miranda. “Also, this alliance will facilitate the distribution of information and promotion of training events related to entrepreneurial development.”
As part of the agreement, the SBA and the UPR Carolina Campus will keep each other informed of programs and services available to small businesses, join in training and outreach activities, and work to expand knowledge of and access to small business resources and technical assistance. The alliance will remain in effect for a period of two years.
In addition to strategic alliances with the UPR, the SBA also holds alliances with PR Trade and Export Company, United Retailers Association, and Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce. By maintaining and strengthening its relationship with trade and economic development organizations, as well as higher education institutions, the SBA expands its reach to more potential entrepreneurs, and further promotes the island’s small business community.
