Advocacy Appoints Joe Knilans to Serve as Advocate for Rural Affairs

“Rural America has a great advocate in Joe Knilans,” said Acting Chief Counsel Major L. Clark, III. “Knilans spent the past six years working to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses in Wisconsin. This experience has well prepared him for his new role, and we are happy to welcome him to the Advocacy team.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to amplify the voices of rural small businesses and communities in Washington, D.C. Small businesses are the backbone of rural America, and I am honored to work on their behalf,” said Knilans.

Knilans comes to Advocacy with an extensive background in government, regulations and business advocacy.  Previously, he served as the deputy director in the Office of Business Development for the state of Wisconsin. In this role, Knilans worked with the business sector and state government agencies to reduce burdensome regulations. Knilans will be located in SBA’s Wisconsin District Office.

The Office of Advocacy has regional advocates to represent each of the 10 federal regions, and a Rural Affairs Advocate who represents rural areas in all regions. The advocates help identify new issues and concerns of small business owners. They work closely with local government officials, state officials and legislators, and the Chief Counsel for Advocacy to develop programs and policies that support small business growth.