Rep. Judy Chu and head of Small Business Administration to visit Monterey Park

Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, and Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, are set to visit Garvey Avenue in Monterey Park on Friday.

Chu, whose congressional district includes Monterey Park, will highlight federal efforts made in the past two years to support small business, but along with Guzman plans to hearing directly from small businesses on specific needs and challenges.

Following the Jan. 21 mass shooting at Star Ballroom Dance Studio, businesses along Garvey reported less foot traffic and fewer customers, especially during the usually lively new year.

With the lull in commerce, Monterey Park’s Office of Economic Advancement began collecting data of business who report need of financial aid. The poll’s data results have not yet been released.

Chu served as Monterey Park’s mayor for three terms and now represents the 49th district in the California State Assembly. This includes Alhambra, El Monte, Duarte, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, and South El Monte, within Los Angeles County.

Chu has stood in solidarity with her community as the city recovers from the shooting.

“It’s a beautiful city that is peaceful, and where there is high quality of life. It is a great place to send your kids to school. There is a park within every mile of a home and we have the best Chinese food,” she has said.

“It is a city that values its diversity.”

Southern California-raised, Casillas Guzman heads the SBA.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Casillas Guzman inherited a portfolio of nearly $1 trillion in emergency aid for small business services.

She oversaw the Paycheck Protection Program, the forgivable-loan program to help owners maintain their workforce. Casillas Guzman also monitored the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and the Shuttered Venues Grant program, both designed to help restaurant and event owners receive funding. In 2022, she expanded Community Advantage Pilot Program, designed to leverage mission-based lenders to meet the credit, management and technical assistance needs of small businesses in underserved markets.