Linda McMahon to head SBA

President Elect Trump made several news-worthy selections to head governmental agencies over the past week.

One selection in particular should stand out to Southwest Florida employers and entrepreneurs. That is, the selection of Linda McMahon to head the Small Business Administration (“SBA”).

The SBA was founded in 1953 and provides small business loans, loan guarantees, and small business counseling to help bolster small businesses, including those throughout Florida. If you own your own business in Fort Myers or Naples, or if you are an entrepreneur that has sought funding to launch your new idea, it is likely you are well aware of the useful resources the SBA provides.

McMahon is the co-founder and former CEO of the well-known wrestling behemoth, WWE. This appointment shouldn’t come as a huge surprise to those who are familiar with McMahon’s history and political aspirations. She previously ran, albeit unsuccessfully, for US Senate in 2010. Additionally, President-Elect Trump’s ties to the WWE are also well noted. In fact, Trump made regular appearances on the WWE’s various programs throughout the years, including a few dust ups in the ring.

Trump seems to be taking care of those that he has identified as loyal followers, and folks that did not waver in their support during the tumultuous campaign. It has been reported that McMahon donated $7 million, including $1 million in the closing days before the election.

McMahon is the third consecutive woman to be nominated to this post following in the footsteps of President Obama’s nominees Karen Mills and Maria Contreras-Sweet. This provides hope that Women Owned Businesses will continue to flourish under McMahon’s leadership.

Southwest Florida small business owners will want to keep a close eye McMahon’s activities to potentially take advantage of fewer regulations, and lower corporate tax rates. With calls for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to take on Trump in 2020 already gaining popularity, Southwest Florida employers might be wise to adopt some strategies to implement finishing moves like The People’s Elbow or employee benefit programs that include a Royal Rumble with the winner receiving an additional week of vacation.