Small businesses are about to get a boost with the announcement last week of new funding to spur small business lending that will help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and create new jobs.
Gov. Bev Perdue announced that $46.1 million has been allocated to North Carolina specifically to help local entrepreneurs create jobs that put Americans back to work. This funding will help support $461 million is additional private lending. It is part of President Obama’s newly-signed Small Business Jobs Act, which will help unlock credit and provide tax cuts for small businesses. For more information about this initiative go to CANislending.com.
Small businesses have long been recognized as the engine of America’s economy for their ability to generate jobs and revitalize local economies. This infusion of federal dollars will help us to help those whose viable business plans have been hampered by the credit crisis.
This announcement will no doubt come as good news to organizers of the N.C. Governor’s Conference for Women, which will feature a timely Small Business Panel led by Mary Cantando. A recognized authority on women’s business initiatives based in the Raleigh area, Cantando will focus on the power and potential of women business owners.
I encourage small business entrepreneurs to embrace opportunities to hear from and work with those whose have achieved success. Sharpening business plans and avoiding common pitfalls will help entrepreneurs keep their "open for business" signs lit and increase opportunities for job seekers.