In a recent ceremony held in Washington, D.C., Dilawar Syed was ceremonially sworn in as the Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). With a bipartisan Senate confirmation vote of 54-42, Syed’s appointment reflects his impressive credentials and the recognition of his potential to contribute to the SBA’s mission of supporting small businesses across America. In collaboration with SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, Deputy Administrator Syed aims to expand access to capital, resources, and networks for entrepreneurs, fostering a strong, competitive, and equitable American economy.
Background and Experience
Prior to joining the SBA, Dilawar Syed served as the Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs at the State Department. In this role, he demonstrated a strong commitment to promoting U.S. companies abroad and ensuring American competitiveness in global markets. Syed’s accomplishments include mobilizing support for the people of Ukraine after Russia’s invasion, advocating for major commercial deals in strategic sectors, and fostering improved business environments through bilateral and multilateral engagements.
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Furthermore, Syed has a robust entrepreneurial background, having previously held the position of CEO at Lumiata, an AI healthcare company focused on improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs. He also served as President at Freshworks, where he led the company’s North America business, overseeing sales, marketing, customer success, and partnerships. Syed’s experience in enterprise software, including his tenure at Yahoo!’s Platform & Infrastructure Division, Siebel Systems, and SAP, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the technology landscape.
Responsibilities of the Deputy Administrator
The position of Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) entails critical responsibilities in supporting and advancing the agency’s mission to promote and assist small businesses across America. As the Deputy Administrator, Dilawar Syed will work closely with Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman to implement policies and initiatives that foster the growth and success of small enterprises. This involves collaborating with various stakeholders, including Congress, government agencies, financial institutions, and industry leaders, to shape policies, advocate for favorable business environments, and reduce regulatory burdens. The Deputy Administrator plays a pivotal role in expanding access to capital for small businesses, developing innovative financing solutions, and building partnerships to facilitate business networking opportunities. Additionally, the position involves enhancing mentorship programs, connecting experienced business professionals with aspiring entrepreneurs to provide guidance, support, and expertise. By engaging in policy advocacy, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting a supportive ecosystem for small businesses, the Deputy Administrator contributes to strengthening the foundation of the American economy and ensuring that entrepreneurs have the necessary resources and support to realize their aspirations.
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The appointment of Dilawar Syed as the Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. With his diverse background in entrepreneurship, technology, and international business affairs, Syed is well-equipped to champion the interests of small businesses and entrepreneurs across America. His vision aligns closely with the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a strong, competitive, and equitable American economy. As Syed collaborates with Administrator Guzman, their shared focus on expanding access to capital, resources, and mentorship will undoubtedly pave the way for small business success and foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the United States.