Graves Calls For Greater Acces to Capital

Statement

House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) today held a full committee hearing to examine access to capital needed by small businesses to grow and create jobs. Small business owners and bank lenders testified to the many challenges they are facing when deciding to expand or to lend money.

"For small businesses to expand and create jobs-- they need adequate financing," said Graves. "However, a lack of economic confidence coupled with the new, cumbersome and inconsistent lending requirements is leaving many business owners unable to obtain the capital they need just to stay in business. On the other hand, in the wake of the financial crisis, lenders want to ensure their customer is credit worthy.

"Small businesses are our best job creators and they are the linchpin that will lead our economy back to prosperity. We need to provide economic and regulatory certainty to allow businesses to thrive. At the same time, we must open the doors for alternative finance options such as, venture capital, angel investing, and private equity to help bridge the divide between small business owners and lenders to spark growth in our economy."

Source