On the recordJune 30, 2010
As a public servant, I have long been a strong advocate for American small businesses--especially disadvantaged and minority-owned businesses. And even before I sought elected office, when I was a banker, I worked hard every day to spur investment on Main Street. I fought to make capital available to small businesses, so entrepreneurs and innovators could create jobs and bring prosperity to local communities. But in today's harsh economic climate, many of these businesses are finding it harder than ever to stay afloat. Credit has largely dried up, and capital investment is difficult to come by. And even as our economy begins to inch along the road to recovery, small and disadvantaged businesses continue to lag behind. I believe we need to do better. I believe we need to place small businesses at the very center of our response to this economic crisis. They are uniquely positioned to create well-paying jobs and generate growth at a local level--so it is time to make them a priority again.
