New York, NY - Congressman Charles Rangel serviced numerous small business owners and entrepreneurs in his Manhattan Congressional District at the Small Business/ Entrepreneurs Event at the State Office Building, on Tuesday, April 10, 2012. The event featured keynote presentations by Administrator Karen G. Mills, U.S. Small Business Administration and Director David Hinson, Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency.

"Our country is experiencing fiscal pains and President Barack Obama is pushing for initiatives that help small business owners and entrepreneurs to succeed as you play an increasingly vital role in our nation's economic recovery. Administrator Mills and Director Hinson's presence here today serves as a reminder that the government values your contributions to our ability to compete globally and is actively working to help you thrive," said Rangel to the small business owners in attendance. "I have organized this event to give you tools and resources needed to expand your businesses or start new ones."

Small business owners representing many different sectors and sizes packed the event to hear Congressman Rangel and the special guests address a mixture of concerns about enhancing and expanding their businesses.  In her speech, the U.S. Small Business Administrator, Karen Mills, encouraged participants to apply for loans and consulting with a mentor or counselor. Ms. Mills also conducted Q&A with the audience. "Our community is the backbone of our economy and America's greatest strength is entrepreneurs," said Mills.

David Hinson of the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency also addressed the audience. Mr. Hinson and his staff provided detailed information about accessing alternative sources of financing and growing client bases.

Participants raised a wide range of issues such as developing effective business plans, new tax credits, tapping into new markets, marketing on tight budgets, and accessing affordable technology solutions. 

SBA regional director, Jorge Silva- Puras, and district director, Pravina Raghavan, enthusiastically answered questions and networked with participants in featured breakout sessions that covered critical topics, including accessing capital and government contracting.  SBA's economic development specialists, Martha Soffer and Sylvia Rivera also addressed questions about cultivating fiscal resources to expand enterprises. 

"Today, we have the privilege of hearing directly from Administrator Mills and Director Hinson about the various initiatives put forth by the Administration to help small businesses and minority enterprises to prosper. We recognize that small businesses are the heart of economic development in this great country. I'm proud that New York is ahead of the game in terms of what we should be doing nationally," Rangel stated.

Added Rangel: "I will continue to provide information about the various opportunities available to you and the changes taking place within federal programs that may affect you. We are all one team and must work together."