Head of Small Business Administration Visits Small Businesses in Fargo

Linda McMahon talked about intellectual property, technology to assist in innovation

FARGO, N.D. — With visits to 49 states under her belt, Linda McMahon says getting to meet more than 8,000 small business owners is the best part of her job.

“I’ve toured many small businesses, and I want to hear what’s working for them, what’s not working for them, and how can we help them be more effective and efficient, how can we help them grow, and I love businesses, and I like to see the innovation in many types of businesses,” said McMahon, the Administrator for the Small Business Administration (SBA).

McMahon has been making her way around Fargo to meet the owners of several small businesses, including Spectrum Aeromed, Sandy’s Donuts and Unglued Market.

“That’s huge to know we have the support of someone who’s actually been in here now to have seen what’s happening in Fargo and the small businesses they’ve visited is really unique,” said Ashley Morken, the Owner of Unglued Market in Fargo.

The SBA says more than 200,000 North Dakotans work for small businesses.

With the state still struggling to bring in workers, McMahon looks to technology to supplement those currently employed.

“One of the things we talked about is automation, not automation to replace workers, but automation to enhance their skills, so taking away those repetitive type of motions, and then you upgrade the skills and talents of the person who’s operating, since you still need someone to tend those machines,” Mark Gallagher, the Director of Production at Spectrum Aeromed, said.

As she makes her way to new companies around the country, McMahon says her goal stays the same.

“Small businesses are the backbone of the economy of the country. I am their chief advocate. I want to make sure I’m on the ground, hearing first hand, a lot of the same issues,” said McMahon.

McMahon also spoke to business leaders about the recently signed U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which includes provisions on intellectual security to protect small businesses and their interests abroad.