Today, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke joined Senator Roland Burris and Rep. William Lacy Clay in hosting a forum entitled “Exploring Minority Business Opportunities with the Federal Government”. The forum provided minority owned small businesses an opportunity to interact with procurement officials from government agencies to discuss procurement best practices and learn more about the contracting process.

“As the only Member of the Congressional Black Caucus on the House Small Business Committee, I believe it is important that we that we provide our qualified minority owned small businesses with access to increased procurement opportunities,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Small businesses growth will support the job growth in this country going forward and it is essential that our community is a part of this growth. Procurement growth for our community is one of my top economic development agenda items along with access to capital.”

The government agencies that were on hand to provide information about procurement opportunities and best practices included the Small Business Administration (SBA), the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Veterans Affairs and many more.

“It is imperative that the federal government work with these small businesses to spur job growth. I have been fighting in Congress to push for significant legislation that will help our small businesses,” added Rep. Clarke.

Small businesses represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms, employ about half of all private sector employees, and contribute nearly 45 percent of the U.S. private payroll.

“I look forward to the Senate passing key legislation this week that will provide them with a much need tax break as well as open up opportunities for access to credit,” concluded Rep. Clarke.

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