BIZ Online NGLCC

The Small Business Administration, a strong partner of The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC), has launched the Jobs Act Tour. Taking place across the country in 13 cities, the inaugural Jobs Act Tour commenced last month and will continue through April with additional cities to be announced. The NGLCC was a major proponent of the law and was involved in several meetings during the crafting of the legislation.

 

The Jobs Act Tour aligns with one of the provisions set by the Small Business Jobs Act, which requires government agencies hold two high-level events for Fiscal 2011. These events require senior officials to engage with small business owners to provide information regarding government contracting opportunities through breakout sessions, matchmaking events, panels or roundtable discussions.

"The Small Business Jobs Act is the most significant piece of small business legislation to pass in over 10 years," said SBA Administrator Karen Gordon Mills in a recent interview. "This recession was hard on small businesses and we have to give them all the tools they need to continue with their recovery," Mills said.

Officials are scheduled to attend select cities, including Atlanta, New York, Boston, San Antonio, Albuquerque, San Diego, Denver, Seattle, Chicago, Huntsville and Washington, D.C.

"I just want to let [the NGLCC] know that I attended the SBA Jobs Act Tour in NYC. Oh my gosh - this was absolutely amazing!" said Elise Gordon, CEO of Purple Genie, Inc. "Please encourage everyone to attend these sessions, and I thank you so much for your communications to us. "

Since the signing into law of the Small Business Jobs Act last September, the Small Business Administration and the White House have been working to implement the to provide small businesses with the resources to promote economic growth and in turn positively affect the United States economic recovery. These resources are set to promote business expansion through lending support, tax cuts, counseling, training and increased procurement opportunities, all in the name of job creation.

"We are so pleased to share this opportunity for LGBT businesses to hear first hand the great opportunities that have resulted from the passage of the Small Business Jobs Act," said NGLCC co-founder and president, Justin G. Nelson. "We look forward tom continuing to support Administrator Mills with the tour I encourage all national and affiliate members in cities with announced dates to participate."