Washington, D.C.— Today, the House Small Business Committee heard firsthand from small business owners on how digital technology is shaping the success of small firms in rural parts of America. From working to increase participation in the online marketplace to protecting small firms from cyberattacks, Committee Members discussed how Congress can act to expand the opportunities available to rural ... Read More »
In today’s economy, there is no doubt that digital technology has revolutionized the way entrepreneurs are looking to build, grow, and manage a successful business. Whether it’s utilizing the latest app to advertise a product or engaging in the sharing economy by renting out a work space online, these types of inventions have been a catalyst for small businesses in just the last decade. In fact, t... Read More »
Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Abby Finkenauer (D-IA), Chairwoman of the Small Business Subcommittee on Rural Development, Agriculture, Trade, and Entrepreneurship convened a panel of government officials to hear how Congress can help more small firms, especially in rural areas, export their products. The hearing focused specifically on how Congress can improve the State Trade and Expansion Program... Read More »
As someone who grew up in small town Iowa, I am thrilled to be leading this important Subcommittee focused on rural development. We have an opportunity to give folks in districts like mine - and Ranking Member Joyce’s - a seat at the table for the important conversations like the one today on helping farmers and small businesses export their products. It is no secret that for rural entrepreneurs a... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement in response to President Trump’s 2020 Budget request: “The President’s Fiscal Year 2020 budget raises serious red flags for small businesses. The President is proposing a 5 percent cut to the Small Business Administration, doing so by reducing funds to proven entrepreneuria... Read More »
Washington, D.C.— Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) issued the following statement after the Labor Department released its February jobs statement: “Today’s numbers are disappointing, with our economy underperforming estimates by adding just 20,000 jobs. For America’s small business sector, these lackluster figures are compounded by recent news of a slowdo... Read More »
Washington, D.C.—Today, Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ), Chair of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax, and Capital Access, convened a panel of entrepreneurs, lenders and experts to hear their perspectives and experiences with the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Microloan program. “As head of the Subcommittee focused on expanding access to capital, today was an opportunity to p... Read More »
Today’s order of business is to consider the Views and Estimates of the Committee on Small Business for fiscal year 2020. These resources are a critical first step in helping entrepreneurs start and grow their business and in aiding established businesses to leverage their experience to invest in their business and employees. I will admit that we are again considering our views and estimates befor... Read More »
Whether it’s the ports we rely upon to transport our goods to the utility systems that power our factories, maintaining America’s infrastructure is fundamental to a robust economy and to the nation’s competitiveness. The topic of infrastructure is vast, encompassing networks of highways, bridges and waterways that span thousands of miles across America. As a nation, we have a proud legacy of pushi... Read More »
Washington, D.C.—Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) convened a panel of witnesses to discuss the top priorities facing the small business sector as the House moves closer to taking up infrastructure reform. “Despite America’s strong legacy of innovation, when it comes to infrastructure, by many measures, we are failing to keep up with the growing demands of ... Read More »
Washington, D.C.—In recognition of Women’s History Month, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement today: “Throughout America’s history, the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of women has propelled our innovation, enriched our communities and strengthened our economy. Each year, Women’s History Month is a chance to honor the contributions ... Read More »
Washington, D.C.—Today, House Small Business Committee Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) released the following statement in response to the Commerce Department’s Fourth Quarter and Annual 2018 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report: “Today’s GDP report reflects a series of policies and actions this Administration has taken to weaken Main Street businesses across America. “From granting tax cuts t... Read More »
America’s 30 million small businesses are the cornerstones of our communities. When a Main Street business succeeds, not only do hard-earned dollars get reinvested back into our neighborhoods, we also see robust job creation and innovation. But we all know that launching a small business is no task for the faint of heart. When it comes to turning a great idea into a thriving business, unfortunatel... Read More »
Washington, D.C.—Today, the House Small Business Committee under Chairwoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) met to discuss the pivotal role of the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development (ED) initiatives in helping small businesses innovate and create jobs. For the hearing, Chairwoman Velázquez convened a panel of top officials from SBA’s four primary resource partners: Small B... Read More »
We thank everyone for joining us this morning and I want to especially thank the witness for being here today. The recent government shutdown was an acutely painful experience for our nation’s small businesses. It was 35 days of missed paychecks, delayed loans, and strained budgets for too many of our federal employees, contractors, and small business owners. Perhaps most concerning to small firms... Read More »
