Dear Friend,

I visited San Diego small businesses during national Small Business Week to learn how they are helping to grow our economy and create jobs in our region. I met each business owner and learned what their company does and how Small Business Administration loans have helped them expand their business. 

Clayton's Coffee Shop -- Coronado

I kicked off the day at Clayton's Coffee Shop, a community landmark since the 1940s.  I met the owner, Mary, who started her business in her twenties. Since then, she has been able to upgrade Clayton's Coffee Shop through small business loans, including a renovation to Clayton's Mexican Take Out, which is connected to the coffee shop.

Now that they've mastered coffee and carne asada, Mary's next plans are to open a bakery at a second location.

Biosero -- Sorrento Valley

Biosero financed their new building with an SBA loan. Now, they're able to create more software and lab workflows for San Diego's top life science industry-- and create jobs in the process.

Their software helps accelerate scientific discovery by providing researchers with robotic technology and software that connects different parts of lab equipment. This automation is helping spur discovery in genomics, drug development, agriculture, and more.

I learned how to program one of the robots to execute an automated process. This type of automation helps industries from bio to agriculture run lab tests. One plate transfer can contain as many as 96 test tubes.

Sherpa Clinical Packaging -- Sorrento Valley

Sherpa Clinical Packaging designs packaging and labeling for pharmaceutical clinical trials. The packaging is designed to minimize shipping costs and can be tailored for blind drug trials and other specifications.

Their expertise helps get drugs to patients faster, whether they live in cities across the country or around the world. I was able to see the machine that cuts out the packaging based on a design by the drug company and Sherpa Clinical Packaging before it's folded and glued.

Sherpa Clinical Packaging used their SBA loan to expand to a second building, where new packaging equipment and cold storage rooms will increase capacity by 400 percent. They'll be able to get more drugs to patients and create jobs in our region.

JXR Constructors - Kearny Mesa

I closed out the day with JXR Constructors, a veteran owned small business, at the VA San Diego to see their current construction site. They're extending a stairwell in one of the building wings to connect the VA's planned extension to the existing structure.

I met the owner, Jesus, who is also a Marine Corps veteran. Jesus has a background in professional construction management experience. He started his business in 2012 and serves both the government and private sector.

They're using an SBA loan to purchase a new warehouse for their construction equipment. The veteran owned and operated business is expanding, thanks to contracting opportunities that have opened up since they certified with SBA.

Small businesses, or companies with fewer than 100 employees, represent 98 percent of firms in San Diego. I'll continue to support small businesses by increasing access to capital and talent, leveling the playing field, and decreasing overly burdensome government regulations.

Sincerely,