Lenders urged to support small businesses

Says access to capital is key for Maine's small business owners and job creation

At the America East Lenders Conference in Portland last week, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree told participants that their support of small business is key to creating jobs and refueling the economy.

"In Maine, small businesses form the backbone of our economy. As someone who has started two small businesses I know that access to capital is a critical concern to small business owners in our state," Pingree said. "We cannot create, operate, or grow without it."

One of the first things Pingree did upon taking office in 2008 was hold an access to capital workshop to connect local small business owners with lenders and economic development officials. Hundreds of participants came.

"The concern of these business owners in accessing capital has not waned since then," Pingree said. "I urge lenders to build new partnerships with small businesses in their communities and do whatever they can to help them get the capital they need. We cannot get our economy back on track without their help. Our businesses cannot create jobs without their help."

Pingree has supported several pieces of legislation to create and expand lending programs for small businesses.

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