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May 20, 2009

Statement on the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2352, the Job Creation Through Entrepreneurship Act, which overhauls the Small Business Administration’s entrepreneurial development programs and creates new services geared toward veterans and Native Americans.  This legislation builds on SBA changes made in the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, and it provides relief for small businesses and consumers who have been greatly affected by the credit crunch.

Small businesses are the backbone of America, and they are especially important to Rhode Island's economy.  Now more than ever, Congress must support the growth of America's small businesses and help stimulate the real engine of our nation's economy.  In Rhode Island, there are many businesses that are passed down from generation to generation, and it is so important that these successful businesses have access to the tools they need to weather this economic downturn. 

H.R. 2352 modernizes the Small Business Development Center Program by focusing on entrepreneurial development, broadens the Women’s Business Centers Program by increasing counseling and training facilities, establishes the Veterans Business Center Program, formally establishes the Office of Native American Affairs, and improves the Service Corps of Retired Executives, a mentoring resource program. 

This bill also creates a grant program specifically designed to assist small firms in securing capital such as the new small business lending generated under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act.  This measure also establishes a green entrepreneurial development program, which will provide classes and instruction on starting a business in the fields of energy efficiency or green technology.  It will also create a procurement training program to help local small firms find suitable contracts and technical assistance on the federal procurement process. 

American prosperity depends on the success of small businesses and the innovative spirit of the American people.  I am committed to bringing relief to Main Street and to the small businesses that are struggling in our state, and urge my colleagues to support this bill. 

Thank you, Madam Speaker.