Nydia M. Velazquez: “Small businesses create three out of four new jobs and account for almost half of our country's income. But that is only…”

“Small businesses create three out of four new jobs and account for almost half of our country's income. But that is only part of the story. The opportunities through business ownership are limited only by our own imagination and ability. Each year, 700,000 men, women and children follow the dream of entrepreneurship. The vast majority of our businesses are very small. Over 50 percent of all businesses are home based. Most get started without a single employee. But with hard work, that changes. Ultimately, half the people who work in this country now work for small businesses. Small businesses are flexible and more likely to adapt to changes in the economy. They have to be nimble to survive. So if there is one thing we have learned, it is that helping these small businesses start up and grow provides a significant benefit for our local and national economy. One of the best methods devised to encourage start-up small businesses is the small microcredit loan.”