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.

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

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.

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.

We don't want to give a business that is not going to come through the troubled waters a loan that they can't pay back.

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