I think we've learned that the S.B.A. plays a critical role in providing access and opportunity when the market is not providing that access. We help banks get that money out into the hands of important and viable businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, women, immigrants and veterans.

Small businesses want things streamlined, and one of the great successes we're having is less paperwork, faster turnaround times.

One of the most important things we hear is the S.B.A. needs to be ubiquitous. We do all these things, but people still don't know.

The morale when I came in was not the best. It was because the agency had not been valued.

Small businesses have told us that having cash in their pocket is one of the primary things that they need.

In October 2008, when the credit crunch hit, small businesses were really crushed by the lack of capital.

Small businesses are really the engine in the economy.