President Obama vowed in his State of the Union address to make assisting domestic manufacturers a top priority for his second term.

After four years as Administrator of the SBA, I have let President Obama know that I will not be staying for a second term. I will stay on until my successor is confirmed to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Small businesses are really the engine in the economy.

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

It's not government that creates jobs; it's small business. Our job is to make sure they have the access to capital, the access to contracting opportunities, and the help, advice and mentoring that they need to go out and be successful.

I grew up in a family business... that really has provided the core of my belief in American small business, and in America's ability to grow and operate important businesses that can compete and be successful.

I saw the S.B.A. with just enormous potential, and that's what I told the president - this is really a jewel.