Small Business Consultant and Coach Speaks Before Congressional Panel - U.S. Government Support of Small Businesses Will Speed Employment and Economic Growth
Businesswoman Ellen Kaplan spoke before the Democratic Small Business Forum on Thursday. Kaplan, founder and president of Massachusetts-based consulting and coaching company Possibilities@Work, spoke about the critical issues facing growing businesses today.
WASHINGTON, DC (PRWEB) June 22, 2004 -- Peabody, Mass. businesswoman Ellen
Kaplan spoke before the Democratic Small Business Forum on Thursday. Kaplan,
founder and president of Peabody-based consulting and coaching company
Possibilities@Work, spoke about the critical issues facing growing businesses
today. She left a report outlining her recommendations with members of Congress
attending the forum. The report is available at www.possibilities-at-work.com .
"Starting and running a
small business always involves overcoming risks," Kaplan said. "Congress can
help more companies survive unstable growth by providing breaks specifically for
small businesses."
Kaplan's report outlines the impact of limited
funding, the high-cost of health benefits and restrictive government regulations
on the growth of small businesses. It also proposes that the federal government
support small business coaching and ongoing forums for business owners to
discuss challenges and solutions with each other. This can be done through the
enhancement of the Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). By expanding the
scope of SBDC offerings, the government can help prevent many costly mistakes
that force vulnerable businesses to close, Kaplan told the congressional
hearing. She used examples from her clients to illustrate the problems facing
small businesses today.
The forum focused on several issues currently
before Congress including a tax credit for 50 percent of health benefit costs
for small businesses, a bill that would cut the funding for SBA loans and one
supporting opportunities for small businesses to get a piece of the government
procurement pie. House members also used this forum to understand the impact of
off-shore outsourcing on small business.
Invited to speak before the
sub-committee by Massachusetts Congressman John Tierney, Kaplan was one of six
Bay State business people to participate. In all, 80 business owners from across
the country testified before 20 Democratic representatives about what they need
to grow and to provide additional jobs to help the economy. Calif. Rep. Nancy
Pelosi, House Democratic Leader, put the sub-committee together. Addressing
small business issues is one of five major initiatives she is focusing on this
year.
Possibilities@Work helps owners of small technology and service
businesses grow into profitable enterprises while avoiding costly mistakes. The
process Possibilties@Work's clients go through eliminates much of the stress
growing companies experience and makes running a business more enjoyable and
profitable.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/6/prweb135690.htm