Linda McMahon’s tenure as Administrator of the Small Business Administration, from 2017 to 2019, was marked by a distinct leadership style and a focus on championing the needs of American entrepreneurs. Stepping into public service after a career building WWE into a global brand, McMahon brought private-sector energy and a results-driven outlook to the federal agency responsible for supporting 30 million small businesses across the United States.
At the SBA, McMahon prioritized expanding access to capital, strengthening disaster recovery programs, and improving outreach to underserved communities, including rural entrepreneurs, women, and military veterans. She quickly established a culture of high expectations, according to those who worked with her, demanding accountability while maintaining trust in her team. McMahon’s approach was to listen intently to both staff and the small business community, holding extensive listening tours to understand what programs worked and where barriers remained.
One significant area of focus during her time at SBA was disaster recovery. McMahon oversaw the agency’s response to several major natural disasters, ensuring that affected small businesses could access emergency loans and technical assistance efficiently. Her commitment was not only to provide relief but also to drive improvements in the SBA’s responsiveness and customer service in crisis situations.
McMahon was also vocal about the importance of entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic growth and opportunity. She championed initiatives to make government contracting more accessible to small firms, reduce regulatory burdens, and promote mentorship programs. Under her leadership, the SBA played a critical role in the White House’s Pledge to America’s Workers, contributing millions of education and workforce training opportunities designed to align with the needs of small businesses and the modern economy.
Her advocacy extended to expanding educational resources for entrepreneurs, particularly for women. While she didn’t overhaul the SBA’s educational offerings, she advanced efforts to bring traditionally in-person entrepreneurship programs online, increasing their reach and flexibility. The virtual expansion of these programs was completed under her successor, but McMahon’s groundwork was credited as instrumental.
In the years since her departure from the SBA, McMahon remained active in public life, serving as chair of a major policy think tank and later returning to federal service in a new role. However, no major headline in the past few days specifically pertains to her time or decisions as SBA Administrator, as her most recent news coverage focuses on her current post as U.S. Secretary of Education and the administration’s ongoing efforts to reform or restructure federal education policy. Still, her legacy at the SBA is often cited for its emphasis on efficiency, responsiveness, and a deep understanding of both the challenges and promise of America’s business landscape.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
