On Wednesday, the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee scheduled hearings on the nomination of Maria Contreras-Sweet to lead the Small Business Administration.

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) and Small Business Majority led a letter of support with nine other national small business associations to Senate leadership ahead of this week's scheduled hearings.

"As a savvy businesswoman, Ms. Contreras-Sweet has a track record of successfully founding and managing her own business ventures. She possesses the necessary business acumen and entrepreneurial skills required to make her a strong advocate for the small business community," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "Maria's entire professional career has been a training ground for the formidable challenges and opportunities that await her at the SBA. We wholeheartedly support her nomination and look forward to working with her once confirmed."

"Ms. Contreras-Sweet has experience managing a government agency and directing policy. She managed California's $14 billion dollar budget for the Business, Transportation, and Housing Agency. Such experience - coupled with her private sector work - will serve Ms. Contreras-Sweet well while informing the President of the rising barriers and windows of opportunities facing the small business community in changing economic climates," Palomarez continued.

John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Small Business Majority, chimed in with his support as well.

"As chairwoman of ProAmérica Bank, Contreras-Sweet worked to help entrepreneurs access credit and financial services, empowering them to build successful small and mid-sized businesses," Arensmeyer said. "Our scientific opinion polling shows small business owners need capital to grow and hire, but are still having a very difficult time getting it. Ms. Contreras-Sweet's experience in this field will be crucial to helping mitigate this problem. We encourage lawmakers to move forward with her confirmation as quickly as possible. The small business community is ready for Contreras-Sweet's leadership. We look forward to working with her on bolstering small business and promoting a strong economy."

Initial reports coming out of Wednesday's meetings indicate that Contreras-Sweet held her own in the hearings, winning the support of even some of the staunchest conservatives in the committee.