Expanded Partnership Discusses Current Lending Situation and Possible Solutions
(Washington, D.C., April 17, 2012) — The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) is joining today with other trade groups representing the financial services and small business communities to call for the strengthening of small business lending. The call is part of an expanded partnership among small businesses, financial services representatives and trade associations, including the International Franchise Association, the Financial Services Roundtable and the Consumer Bankers Association, that will take place at the second annual Small Business Lending Summit being held in Washington, D.C.
“Given that more than 90% of NAWBO members are small businesses, we understand first-hand the need to advocate for this critical segment of our economy which is responsible for so much of our nation’s job creation and economic growth,” said Diane Tomb, NAWBO President & CEO. “We are proud to join with so many like-minded organizations to host the second annual Small Business Lending Summit and look forward to exploring the connection between access to capital and business establishment and expansion and how we can strengthen small business lending.”
The event will feature remarks from key policymakers including: Karen Mills, Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration; Martin Gruenberg, Acting Chairman, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; John Walsh, Acting U.S. Comptroller of the Currency; Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), Majority Whip, U.S. House of Representatives; and Don Graves, Executive Director of the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.
Additionally, panels will be convened to discuss specific challenges facing underserved markets like veterans and women. Deborah Stallings, a NAWBO National Board Member and President and Chief Executive Office of HR Anew, will serve as a panelist in a discussion on underserved markets.
“Women-owned businesses are the fastest growing segment of today’s economy, employing more than 13 million people and generating $1.9 trillion in sales. We are proud to have NAWBO included in the Small Business Lending Summit and pleased that Deborah will have the opportunity share her experience and insight with the broader group,” commented Tomb. “This partnership will provide a prime opportunity to remove barriers to lending and help our economy recover. NAWBO looks forward to working with the other partners to achieve this goal.”
About NAWBO®
Founded in 1975, the National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO®) propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide by: strengthening the wealth creating capacity of our members and promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial community; creating innovative and effective change in the business culture; building strategic alliances, coalitions and affiliations; and transforming public policy and influencing opinion makers. Learn more at www.nawbo.org.