Money Available For Small Business Owners

The United States federal government wants small businesses to explore the possibility of exporting their goods and services to foreign countries.

So said John Blum, a senior trade financial specialist who spoke as part of the U.S. Trade Symposium Series on Sept. 22. The four-hour event was held at the Arkansas World trade Center in Rogers, and attended by about 30 people.

“We’re all federal agencies and we’re all here to help you. Let’s get that part out of the way,” Blum said during his opening remarks.

As proof of the government’s desire to help small businesses, Blum cited the $758 million awarded to the U.S. Small Business Administration via the federal stimulus package.

“The money’s there,” Blum said. “Why not use it? Let’s let the small businesses use it.”

Blum said small businesses who export goods and services are viewed as key parts of the country’s economic recovery for two reasons. No. 1, such businesses typically create jobs. Secondly, they help the U.S. trade deficit.

Patricia Gonzalez, director of the U.S. Export Assistance Center, and John Johnson, a development officer for the Export-Import Bank of the U.S., also made presentations. The group visited Little Rock and Jonesboro in addition to its stop in Northwest Arkansas.