March 21, 2025, Top Headlines of the Week
Here are some stories you may have missed on Dispatch.com and Columbus Dispatch Newspaper.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced a restructuring plan to cut staff by 43%. The Chamber of Commerce believes the cuts could have a negative impact on entrepreneurs who are not receiving services that rely on SBA resources, such as loans and grants.
Columbus Chamber of Commerce leaders have spoken out against planned cuts in small business management.
SMEs announced on Friday that it would begin a restructuring that saw 43% of staffing fall. The cut is designed to eliminate non-essential positions and end what was described as the “a vast social policy agenda of previous administrations.”
In a press release called “deeply concerned” by staff, the Chamber of Commerce said small businesses are the backbone of the Columbus region and the national economy.
“As usual, the Chamber of Commerce will continue to be the leader and driving force behind building a prosperous economy in the Columbus region,” the press release said. “We are trusted partners and advocates, ensuring that our business community, big and small, has the tools, networks and visibility needed to thrive.”
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has listed the Columbus SBA office to be closed on the receipt wall. The Associated Press has obtained a memo indicating that the 6,721-square-foot office lease will end on September 30th.
The Small Business Administration has played a pivotal role in supporting what the Chamber of Commerce called “historically underserved entrepreneurs.” The agency cuts could disrupt the assistance that those companies rely on, such as federally supported loans and grants, according to the meeting room.
Cuts for small business administrations came as President Donald Trump empowered Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency initiatives. The mask initiative has already targeted the U.S. Department of Education and International Development Agency, among other government sectors.
SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler said in a press release Friday that he will remain a launchpad for small businesses even after the cuts. However, she said the agency was bloated and was too far from the course.
“(i) The agency has been off track for the past four years. It’s doubled in size and transformed into a vast Leviathan plagued by mission creep, financial mismanagement and waste,” says Loeffler. “Instead of serving small businesses, the SBA served as a partisan political agenda, expanding its size, scope and spending.”
Dispatch Investigative Reporter Max Filby can be accessed by email at mfilby@dispatch.com. Find him on X on Facebook at handle @maxfilby or @ReportermaxFilby.
