The Small Business Administration Utah District Office and Pacific Island Knowledge 2 Action Resources (PIK2AR) have signed a strategic alliance memorandum that will leverage existing programs offered to Pacific Island Americans as well as other minorities, veterans and women-owned small businesses throughout the state of Utah, to help them in the development, formation and growth of small businesses.
“This agreement with PIK2AR is intended to align our services to offer the Pacific Island community further access to the mentors, training, tools and networking that will help them achieve their long-term entrepreneurial goals,” said Utah District director Marla Trollan. “We are committed to helping with the full scope of information and resources we have to offer.”
The partnership between the SBA and PIK2AR will allow members of PIK2AR to take advantage of a complete suite of services that walks an entrepreneur through the complete business life cycle, from formation and launch to exit strategy.
Both organizations provide business training, expanded access to capital, technical support, paths to procurement opportunities, networking and information sharing — all with the goal of strengthening small businesses within the shared communities of the two organizations, Trollan said.
“We are excited about this new partnership and believe working together in this way will provide great results for those who are starting, growing or rebounding their small businesses,” said Trollan.
PIK2AR founder Susi Feltch-Malohifo’ou is hopeful the new partnership will help create more opportunities for Pacific Islanders in the small-business community. “This partnership with the SBA shows that our community is recognized, and we are legitimate. They see value in the work we do in the community,” she said.
Salt Lake City Pacific Island Business Alliance (SLCPIBA), a supporter of PIK2AR, is a local membership-based organization that meets monthly to support the needs, interests and aspirations of Pacific Island and other entrepreneurs and business owners.