The U.S. Small Business Administration has appointed Nancy Zurbuchen as the small business advocate for federal Region 7.

As the small business advocate, Zurbuchen will serve as the link between the region’s small business owners, state and local government agencies, state legislators, small business associations and the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Region 7 includes Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri.

Zurbuchen, a Missouri businesswoman, has owned several companies over the years. She began her career as an art director for Hallmark Cards. Throughout her career, Zurbuchen has served on several boards and task forces with the mission of assisting small business owners. Her service includes two appointments to the Missouri Small Business Regulatory Fairness Board.

Congress created the Office of Advocacy in 1976 to ensure small businesses have an independent voice within the federal government. The regional advocates help identify new issues and concerns of small business owners in the nation’s 10 federal regions. They also monitor the impact of federal and state policies on small business at the local level.