Any small business owner will tell you that running your own business is hard work. The paychecks aren’t always steady, and you’re never really “off the clock.”
But small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities, and we must do all that we can to support them.
The American entrepreneurial spirit drives millions of hard-working and innovative individuals to start small businesses each year. The 23 million small businesses in America employ approximately 55 percent of workers and account for 54 percent of all U.S. sales. Tens of thousands of Indianapolis residents own or work for businesses with fewer than 20 employees. We witness their hard work every day throughout our city.
As the ranking member of the Transportation Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management, I am in a position to make sure that small businesses have equal access to government contracting opportunities.
This committee oversees the General Services Administration (GSA), which is charged with managing contracts that supply the needs of the U.S. government.
On April 16, I will host a small business forum at the Indianapolis Central Library to help entrepreneurs understand the fundamentals of doing business with the federal government. The process can sometimes seem overwhelming, which is why I want to make sure local employers have the tools necessary to navigate the many available opportunities.
The meeting will connect participants with regional GSA staff to ask questions about contracting opportunities and learn how your business can become a solid competitor in the federal marketplace. This event is open to constituents of the 7th Congressional District and is free of charge; registration is required due to limited space. Please contact my Indianapolis office at (317) 283-6516 to reserve your spot.
I am committed to helping small business owners succeed. Whether you are just starting out or hoping to grow an already successful business, my office can guide you on how to best utilize federal resources to reach your goals.
We can provide an introduction to the Small Business Administration’s variety of services including counseling, training and financing. We can help you understand the various programs available to businesses depending on size, industry type and location. There are even opportunities for qualifying minority-owned businesses to receive one-on-one support through the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program.
Supporting small business owners and employees in Indianapolis is a top priority as we continue to rebuild our economy and create new jobs. Starting a business from scratch is a huge challenge with great potential reward, but those who undertake that challenge can sometimes feel like they are doing so alone.
My office is here to help Hoosier entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their businesses. These jobs are vital to our economy and our community, and we want to make sure you have the tools you need to succeed.
Please contact my office if you’d like to attend the GSA event on April 16 or if there are other ways we can support you as you strengthen our economy locally and nationally.
Rep. André Carson, D-Indianapolis, represents Indiana’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
