About Us

The National Ombudsman receives comments from small business concerns and acts as a liaison between them and federal agencies. Comments received from small businesses, are forwarded to federal agencies for a high level review and federal agencies are requested to consider the fairness of their enforcement action.

A copy of the agency's response is sent to the small business owner by the Office of the National Ombudsman. In some cases, fines have been lowered or eliminated and decisions changed in favor of the small business owner.

The National Ombudsman cannot change, stop, or delay a federal agency enforcement action, nor assist with comments of a non-federal regulatory nature. Neither can the office help secure government contracts nor assist with government loan processing or approval.

    Leadership

    PIcture of Esther Vassar, Assistant Administrator, Ombusdman
    Assistant Administrator

    Esther H. Vassar was appointed National Ombudsman and Assistant Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement Fairness for the U. S. Small Business Administration in August 2009. In her former roles...

    Connect With Us

    Office of Ombudsman
    409 3rd Street, S.W. Suite 7125
    Washington, DC 20416
    United States
    Fax: 202 481 5719
    TTY/TTD: 800-877-8339
    Toll Free: 888-734-3247