The Committee on Small Business will meet for a hearing titled, “Disparities in Access to Capital: What the Federal Government Is Doing to Increase Support For Minority Owned Firms.”  The hearing is scheduled to begin at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 12, 2018 at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, 3 Independent Dr., Jacksonville, FL.

Small businesses owners, particularly women and minorities, face unique challenges when it comes to getting a loan to help them grow and create new jobs. At a time when minority-owned businesses are growing at a faster pace, they still secure financing at much lower levels than many other businesses. Without adequate access to capital, whether microloans, commercial lending, or investment capital, small minority firms cannot compete for government contracts, grow their business, or create jobs in their local communities. The hearing will focus on the challenges they face with Small Business Administration (SBA) lending programs, traditional bank loans, private investment capital, and other alternative financing.

Attachments
1. Hearing Notice
2. Witness List
3. Hearing Memo 

Witnesses
Mr. Jimmy Van Horn 
Lead Lender Relations Specialist 
United States Small Business Administration
Jacksonville, FL
Testimony

Ms. Hillary Almond
Owner
Almond Engineering
Jacksonville, FL
Disclosure
Testimony

Ms. Roslyn Phillips
Vice President
The Hester Group
Jacksonville, FL
Disclosure
Testimony

Mr. Dane Grey
President
Elite Parking Services of America
Jacksonville, FL
Disclosure
Testimony