WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Office of Advocacy (Advocacy), the independent voice for small businesses within the executive branch, is pleased to announce Steve Owen has been named Region 9 Advocate. As the Region 9 Advocate, a role that has been vacant since 2021, Owen serves as the voice in Washington, D.C. for over 5 million small businesses in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the U.S. Pacific Territories.
Born and raised in California, Owen is a first-generation American. As Region 9 Advocate, Owen brings with him a broad range of experience to this position. His professional background includes extensive experience working with tech startups and senior management roles with KPMG and Apple. Owen’s goal is to let “business do business” without being bogged down by unnecessary bureaucracy.
“I am thrilled to welcome Steve Owen as the Region 9 Advocate for the Office of Advocacy,” said Everett Woodel, Jr., Acting Chief Counsel for Advocacy. “Steve’s background makes him well-suited for this role as he assists small businesses in the deregulatory process.”
“Drawing on my experience as an economist and my work with both startups and global companies, I am committed to identifying and addressing excessive, burdensome regulations,” said Owen. “My goal is to ensure that common-sense wins, and that small businesses in my region and throughout the country can focus on what they do best: innovating, creating jobs, and driving growth in communities nationwide.”
Owen can be reached at stephen.owen@sba.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
SBA No. 26-13 ADV
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Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration is an independent voice for small business within the executive branch. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policymakers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsel’s efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit advocacy.sba.gov or call (202) 205-6533.