[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 83 (Thursday, June 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMEMORATING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK: MAY 17-MAY 23

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 2009

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, over the last decade, small businesses 
have created 70 percent of our new jobs, and they are responsible for 
half of all the jobs in our nation's workforce. In fact, in my home 
State of Maryland, more than 500,000 small businesses provide our State 
with more jobs than any other source--except the federal government.
  This job creating potential is even more important during economic 
downswings like the current one. It is interesting to note that, 
despite declines in corporate America, the entrepreneurial spirit is 
alive and well. Every month, 400,000 new businesses start up across the 
country. For these reasons, providing small businesses with the tools 
they need to grow and thrive again will be critical to the nation's 
overall economic recovery. It is with this knowledge and appreciation 
that I proudly express my support for President Obama's declaration of 
May 17-May 23 as National Small Business Week.
  As a former small business owner for nearly 20 years, I know first-
hand that one of the most pressing challenges facing small businesses 
is access to affordable credit and capital. I know how hard it can be 
to meet one's payroll, day after day and week after week. I also know 
what it is like to be turned down for the business loan that you 
desperately need (and deserve)--even while other less qualified 
competitors somehow receive that essential capital support.
  In my thirteen years in the U.S. House of Representatives, I have 
supported efforts that have uplifted the small business community--and 
2009 has been another marquee year. During National Small Business 
Week, the House passed a number of bills aimed at providing business 
owners with the requisite tools. H.R. 2352, the Job Creation Through 
Entrepreneurship Act of 2009 would provide critical resources to help 
businesses grow and adapt. Specifically, it creates a grant program 
designed to assist small firms in securing capital, supplementing the 
new small business lending generated by the American Reinvestment and 
Recovery Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in February 
2009.
  These entrepreneurial development programs are a wise investment in 
our economy. It is estimated that for every $1 spent on these programs, 
there is a $2.87 return to the Treasury--and these programs have helped 
to create 73,000 jobs in 2008 alone.
  As I close, I will also take this opportunity to align myself with 
the vision expressed by President Obama, who recently stated that ``it 
is imperative that we do all we can to celebrate the achievements of 
small business owners and encourage the creation of new businesses.''
  Americans are exploring new ways to conduct business, and small 
business owners are an invaluable resource in this national effort. 
They are the real heroes of American industry--and May 17-May 23 is 
deservedly theirs.

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