Dilawar Syed seated with Joshua Sirefman and Treasury Secretary Yellen at Newlab at Michigan Central

    Public Leadership

    Public service has taken me from communities across America to diplomatic engagements around the world.

    Expanding Opportunity

    As Deputy Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, I helped lead the federal agency responsible for expanding access to capital, contracting opportunities, entrepreneurship support, and disaster assistance.

    My work focused particularly on reaching entrepreneurs and communities that had historically faced barriers, and on modernizing SBA's technology so the agency could better serve small-business owners navigating complex federal programs.

    Dilawar Syed touring a manufacturing facility with local business leaders
    Dilawar Syed meets with officials in Hawaii following the Maui wildfires

    Rebuilding After Disaster

    I traveled to communities recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the Maui wildfires, the collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, and other emergencies — coordinating federal disaster response and touring recovery efforts on the ground.

    Advancing Commercial Diplomacy

    As the U.S. Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs, I worked with more than 50 nations across the globe to support American companies, resolve barriers to exports, and deepen economic relationships.

    Dilawar Syed engaging on Ukraine's economic resilienceDilawar Syed engaging on Ukraine's economic resilience

    Supporting Ukraine's Economic Resilience

    Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, I helped mobilize the American private sector in support of Ukraine's economic resilience and future reconstruction. The work reinforced my conviction that companies are not only economic actors — they can also help rebuild communities, strengthen democratic resilience, and advance shared values.

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    A Record of Service

    U.S. Small Business Administration seal

    U.S. Small Business Administration

    Deputy Administrator

    U.S. Department of State seal

    U.S. Department of State

    Special Representative for Commercial and Business Affairs

    White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders seal

    White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

    Member, President's Advisory Commission

    State of California seal

    State of California

    Co-founder and Chair, Entrepreneurship Task Force