The US small business administration will close and move its office to Lak, as well as five others to sacred cities across the country, the agency reported on Thursday.
In the coming months, the SBA regional offices in Agoikago, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City and Seattle “will be moved to less costly, more accessible places that better serve the small business community and comply with the Federal Law on Immigration,” the agency said. SBA Springfield’s office was not included in the list.
A spokesman for the agency said Thursday that SBA services would not be affected by the relocation of its office to Agoikago.
Closures punish cities that do not match immigration efforts and customs implementation in the US to stop immigrants, as President Donald Trump requires massive deportations and stronger borders.
It also comes a day after Mayor Brandon Johnson testified at Capitol Hill before the home supervision and the Government Reform Committee on the policy of the Sanctuari city of Chicikago, along with New York mayors, Boston and Denver.
The agency will also implement a new policy that requires SBA credit applicants to verify their US citizenship.
“According to President Trump, the SBA is committed to setting US citizens again – starting to ensure that the zero taxpayer dollars go to fund illegal foreigners,” SBA administrator Kelly Loeffler said in a news release.
“Lenders will be required to confirm that applicants are not owned by an unlawful alien, in accordance with President Trump’s executive order that ends the taxpayer’s subsidy of open borders,” SBA said.
The agency “will terminate the entry into loans to illegal foreigners and relocate our regional offices from the sacred cities that reward criminal behavior,” Loeffler said.
SBA does not issue direct funding for small businesses. People usually apply for SBA -supported loans through participating banks and lenders.
But business lawyers say the closure of the SBA office in Chicikago, in 332 S. Michigan Ave., damages the small businesses that need support.
“The relocation of the Agoikagos office will affect the businesses that rely on its services. Small businesses should not be damaged by fighting they cannot control, “said Elliot Richardson, president of the Chicikago -based small business advocacy council.
Tasha Brown, director of Illinois of the Law Group Most of the small business, said: “With over 100,000 businesses licensed in Agoikago, the city is a center of small business activity. The closure of the SBA Agoikagos Office is likely to make it more difficult for the strong entrepreneurial community of Agoikagos. Review its plan to close offices in or near large cities like Agoikago. “
‘A Salvation for Small Businesses’
The owner of Kilwins Jacqueline “Jackie” Jackson has received SBA loans and participated in events such as Zoom Sessions to support small businesses. It operates seven dessert shops in the Agoikago area.
In 2024, the region of the large SBA lakes called it the small Illinois business person of the year. The agency also presented it in a national campaign that led “important business” to its stores, she said.
Jacqueline Jackson, who owns and runs seven sweet Kilwins shops in the Agoikago area, said the SBA local office has been a great help to its business and move it to other small business entrepreneurs that could have helped.
Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times
“SBA has not only been a rescue for small businesses like mine, but also a trusted partner in navigating the challenges of the entrepreneurship,” Jackson said. “During the pandemic, SBA provided hope when businesses were trying to survive. Their staff served as mentors, leading me through challenges and providing invaluable resources. “
“I always encourage other entrepreneurs to seek SBA help,” she said. “The closure of these offices is heartbroken – not only for me, but for the countless small businesses that rely on their instruction, advocacy and resources.”
Her daughter, Janel, participated in a SBA training program called Thrive.
“Since graduation, it has grown with the knowledge and resources gained,” Jackson said. “She is now a stronger businessman, more strategic due to SBA investments in its development.”
Jackson added, “The loss of these offices is more than just an administrative change – it is an important blow for small businesses, developing entrepreneurs and the communities that depend on them.”