Barreto confirmed as Small Business Administration chief

The Senate on Wednesday unanimously confirmed Hector Barreto to be administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

As SBA administrator, Barreto will direct the delivery of financial and business-development programs to America's entrepreneurs in technology and other sectors.

SBA is the nation's largest single financial backer of small businesses.

A graduate of Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., Barreto worked for the Miller Brewing Company as South Texas area manager. In 1986, he moved to California and founded Barreto Insurance and Financial Services to serve Southern California's rapidly growing Latino population.

He later launched an additional business as a securities broker/dealer specializing in retirement plans. Hispanic Business Magazine has recognized Barreto as one of America's "100 Most Influential Hispanics."