Reps. Brad Schneider and Nydia Velazquez Host Small Business Forum and Resource Fair

Press Release

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) hosted a forum and resource fair for constituents who own or are interested in starting a small business on Thursday.

The event at College of Lake County -- Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan offered area residents the opportunity to learn more about the many resources and programs available to current and future small business owners.

"In Congress, I'm focused on creating jobs and promoting a growing economy that raises the standard of living for all Americans, and that starts with supporting the small businesses that are the engine of our economy." said Schneider. "I'm very pleased to host this event in Waukegan to connect local entrepreneurs with the many resources and organizations available in our community to help their businesses grow and succeed. It was particular honor to be joined by my colleague on the House Small Business Committee, and a strong advocate for small businesses, Ranking Member Nydia Velázquez."

"On the Small Business Committee, Brad Schneider is a tireless advocate for Illinois' job-creating entrepreneurs," said Velázquez. "I'm pleased to have participated in this forum, which provided valuable insight on how we can support policies that foster small business growth."

The event included a panel discussion with participation from the Small Business Advocacy Council, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Rockford Local Development Corporation, Small Business Administration, and Women's Business Development Center. A resource fair featuring additional organization and vendors followed the panel with information on loans for small businesses, tax issues, and resources available to women and minority small business owners. A full list of participants is included at the end of release.

Prior to the event, Reps. Schneider and Velázquez toured Main Street businesses in Waukegan and hosted a lunch with local small business owners at Juan's Chuck Wagon to discuss ways Washington can help support local entrepreneurs.

Forum Panelists:

Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10)
Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Ranking member of House Small Business Committee
Eliott Richardson, CEO, Small Business Advocacy Council
Phillip Barreda, Executive Vice President, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc.
John Phelps, Rockford Local Development Corporation
Robert "Bo" Steiner, Illinois District Director, Small Business Administration
Emilia DiMenco, President & CEO, Women's Business Development Center
Resource Fair Participants:

Small Business Administration
SBAC Empower
SBAC
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
Rockford Local Development Corporation
Women's Business Center in Chicago
SCORE
U.S. Navy
Chase Bank
Independent Insurance Agents of IL
Lake Forest Bank & Trust
Bancorp
First American Bank
Bank of America

Source