All about business

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Babylon MicroFarms in Scott’s Addition on Thursday, May 4, as part of the National Small Business Week celebration. The vice president met with small business owners, state and local officials to highlight the Biden-Harris administration’s investment in small businesses and manufacturing, citing them as the backbone of America’s economy and employing nearly half of all private sector workers. She commended Babylon Micro-Farms for its cutting-edge technology in efforts to help feed millions of people worldwide. Vice President Harris added that small businesses often struggle to access capital, and said the Biden-Harris administration has worked to increase access to capital in underserved communities.

Babylon Micro-Farms co-founder, Alexander Olesen, bottom right, discussed Babylon’s mission to empower businesses and communities to grow their own food on-site, year-round, using sustainable hydroponic indoor farming techniques that require 90% less water and no harmful pesticides. Mr. Olesen said such methods contribute to food security and the fight against climate change. He also said that the company received $150,000 in grant funding from the current administration, which has been instrumental in the company’s success.

State Delegate Don Scott, (middle) stands with members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, (from left to right) Dr. Pamela Newton, Tiffany Townsend, Tracy Thornton, Shauna Hooker, and Marian Martin, and USDA Farm Service Agency Outreach Specialist, Diane Lenoir Giles (far right).