Michael P. Arriola was sworn-in as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) North Carolina District Director during a ceremony on May 24, 2021.
In this role, Arriola will oversee an office that drives economic development by assisting local entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. He will also direct the implementation of SBA programs related to accessing capital, business advising, and government contracts.
Acting SBA Southeast Regional Administrator Janita R. Stewart says “Mike, supported by his SBA North Carolina team, has promoted critical SBA programs and services throughout the duration of the pandemic. Under Mike’s leadership, we look forward to SBA continuing to provide this and other vital assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs in North Carolina as they get back on track toward regular business operations.”
“I am honored to continue working with the North Carolina SBA team, our state resource partners, and the small business owners of North Carolina,” said Arriola. “Moving forward I plan to work diligently with the entrepreneurs across North Carolina to continue the recovery process and to secure growth and vitality now and in the future.”
Last fiscal year the SBA North Carolina District backed over $844 million in loans to small businesses and over 16,000 entrepreneurs were trained and counseled through SBA’s resource partners. The district office also witnessed more than $2.2 billion in contracts awarded to North Carolina small businesses.
Arriola has been part of the SBA North Carolina District team since 2004 and prior to arriving in North Carolina he worked in the SBA Guam Branch Office as a loan specialist since 1998. Arriola last served as Deputy District Director in the North Carolina district office.
A business and corporate banker by training, Arriola has worked for various banks, including Chase Manhattan, Bank of Hawaii and HSBC. He is a 1984 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley and a 1992 graduate of the Asian Institute of Management’s Advanced Bank Management Program. In 2010, Arriola completed his master’s degree in public affairs from Western Carolina University. He has also studied economic development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – School of Government.
If you have questions about this issue or other policy matters, please contact NCACPA Director of Advocacy Robert Broome, CAE.