WASHINGTON, April 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, ahead of the total solar eclipse, the SBA released a new video highlighting American Paper Optics, a Memphis small business that manufactures paper eyewear – including the only NASA-approved glasses that allow Americans to safely view solar eclipses.
SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman traveled to Memphis, Tennessee for a tour of American Paper Optics’ 30,000-sq. ft. facility with business owner John Jerit and members of his leadership team. They were joined by Chirag Parikh, Executive Secretary of the National Space Council. During the tour, Administrator Guzman learned how American Paper Optics used SBA resources to sustain operations during the pandemic, and how the business evolved into the largest manufacturer of paper 3D eyewear and solar eclipse viewing glasses in the world.

Click here to watch a video highlight from Administrator Guzman’s visit to American Paper Optics.
  
The 2024 total solar eclipse is generating a spending surge nationwide, and small businesses are playing a large role in meeting this economic demand. Under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, the nation has experienced a Small Business Boom, with 16.8 million new business applications since President Biden took office.

For more information about SBA’s loan programs, financial assistance, and other services, visit www.sba.gov.

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About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

Christine Saah-Nazer
U.S. Small Business Administration
202-756-0304
Christine.saahnazer@sba.gov

Han Nguyen
U.S. Small Business Administration
202-756-0304

Rebecca Galanti
U.S. Small Business Administration
2027560304
rebecca.galanti@sba.gov