SMALL BUSINESS BANKING IN RHODE ISLAND
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Calling it a ( Fabulous ) Career
District Director Mark Hayward is hanging up his SBA hat at the end of the year after thirty-four years with the agency and a long and storied career in government . His career launched in East Providence and moved on to Washington D . C . and around the world . He worked with the Environmental Protection Agency , the Department of the Interior and the U . S . Small Business Adminstration . As the biggest cheerleader for America ’ s small businesses , he has met with and helped tens of thousands since joining the RI SBA office and says , “ It ’ s the most rewarding thing you can do . When I can go out and help an individual and kick the bricks it ’ s great .”
Q.
What have you seen change at the SBA over the decades ?
A
I ’ ve seen huge changes ,
. including the reduction of staff ,
but we continue to service the public . I think we ’ re one of the most responsive agencies in the federal system . In many instances we ’ ve become a lot more efficient . We are certainly more effective as well in dealing with small business . We ’ ve centralized a lot – we had thirty-one people when I started , we now have six . We continue to educate businesses and lenders – lenders appreciate being able to talk to somebody in the district office who understands what our standard operating procedures are and how they can apply them .
What is your wish for
Q . small business in RI going forward ?
Success . there are a lot of
A . obstacles for businesses period ,
but small businesses probably face more . I think as we look down the road we need to focus people on [ the fact that ] small businesses are really dedicated people who are looking to better themselves and their community . When you look at the Little League teams , dance competitions , soccer teams and just about any community organization , who supports them ? It ’ s small business . It ’ s Joe the plumber . It ’ s
District Director of the SBA , Mark Hayward .
important to be loyal and dedicated to small business .
What ’ s the next chapter
Q . for you ?
I have a lot of people trying to write
A. another chapter for me , and I ’ m flattered at the suggestions others have made . I ’ m not going to go sit on the couch . You might find me on golf course . I could hang a shingle and consult . I haven ’ t decided .
100 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l APRIL JUNE 2023