Rapid City is the first stop for Dilawar Syed on the U.S. Small Business Administration’s nationwide tour. He’s the organization's Deputy Administrator.
He said small businesses in rural communities like those in South Dakota are often overlooked.
“We don't have equity across all regions and you see this divide between regions rural and metro regions, and it is so critical for us that we are intentional in connecting that, making sure investment is going into all these areas," said Syed.
"So frankly, a lot of my travel is in rural parts of the country. We’ve got to invest in these communities and frankly, a lot of times—when you have this level of division—it gives rise to other divisions in our country. So, we’ve got to drive toward equity.”
One of the ways Syed said the federal government is trying to close those divides is through legislation like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Syed said it’s helping upwards of 24,000 South Dakota households and businesses get access to affordable internet. But he said there’s still a lot of work to do.
“Every community around the country, you see these businesses get started and folks work hard—often defining all odds, right—historic and systemic, let's face it," Syed said. "Many communities still face those.”
Syed said traveling and meeting people in rural areas is a good reminder of how much everyone should have access to opportunity.