Small businesses, you can give them capital, but what they often need as much is mentoring, advice and help with their business plan.
It's not government that creates jobs; it's small business. Our job is to make sure they have the access to capital, the access to contracting opportunities, and the help, advice and mentoring that they need to go out and be successful.
I grew up in a family business... that really has provided the core of my belief in American small business, and in America's ability to grow and operate important businesses that can compete and be successful.
Small businesses are really the engine in the economy.
I think we've learned that the S.B.A. plays a critical role in providing access and opportunity when the market is not providing that access. We help banks get that money out into the hands of important and viable businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, women, immigrants and veterans.
I recently had the opportunity to participate in 'Inc.''s first-ever 'Hire Power Awards' event in Washington, D.C. The event was a testament to the power of American entrepreneurship and the role that it plays in driving job creation and innovation in a wide array of industries.
After four years as Administrator of the SBA, I have let President Obama know that I will not be staying for a second term. I will stay on until my successor is confirmed to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
We don't want to give a business that is not going to come through the troubled waters a loan that they can't pay back.
The morale when I came in was not the best. It was because the agency had not been valued.
Small businesses want things streamlined, and one of the great successes we're having is less paperwork, faster turnaround times.
Small businesses have told us that having cash in their pocket is one of the primary things that they need.
One of the most important things we hear is the S.B.A. needs to be ubiquitous. We do all these things, but people still don't know.
I saw the S.B.A. with just enormous potential, and that's what I told the president - this is really a jewel.
Health care is the No. 1 concern of small businesses and the status quo is untenable.
President Obama vowed in his State of the Union address to make assisting domestic manufacturers a top priority for his second term.
In October 2008, when the credit crunch hit, small businesses were really crushed by the lack of capital.
