2012 Agenda
SMALL BUSINESS
Paving the Way to Main Street Confidence
The United States has more than 27 million small businesses, representing 99.7 percent of all firms and employing about half of the country’s private sector workers. Bringing together lenders, businesses, and thought leaders will allow the Small Business Working Group to identify the conditions necessary for small businesses and micro-enterprises to survive and prosper. This Working Group will hold a diagnostic discussion on how to rebuild confidence and encourage lending to small businesses, while exploring the alternative forms of financing available to them and creating partnerships that promote economic growth.
Subtopics
Access to Capital Identifying innovative financing models and building the trust necessary to increase credit and financing opportunities will allow entrepreneurs to start a small business, provide liquidity to operate and expand, and bring more Americans into the workforce.
Mentorship and Technical Assistance Creating an ecosystem that is built on mentorship, strategic financial advice, and shared technical resources— and that explores channels for business education and marketing strategies—can provide an environment that promotes thriving and competitive small businesses.
Doubling Down on Exports Educating business owners and providing the pipeline for expansion will allow these owners to tap into new markets and distribute more American goods to consumers overseas.
Supply Chain Integration Expanding opportunities for small businesses to service government and larger corporations will enable them to grow and increase their workforce.