More than $6 billion is coming to the state as part of the federal Infrastructure and Investment Jobs Act, and small businesses deserve a share of that, lawmakers and business advocates said Monday in New Haven.
Launching the “Leverage Government Contracting Resource Fair” in the infield of the indoor track at New Haven’s Floyd Little Athletic Center, speakers urged businesses of all sizes to get help in accessing federal contracts.
“It is my goal and the goal of my entire team to make sure we open every single opportunity that we can for small businesses to grow and to get a piece of that,” said Catherine Marx, district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), speaking of infrastructure funding.
Businesses of all sizes can benefit from SBA help, with programs targeting owners living in historically underutilized business zones or belonging to underrepresented groups. Other efforts are designed for woman- and veteran-owned enterprises, and SBA staff can help owners wade through the federal paperwork.
“Anything that you are eligible for, we want you to tap into that and help you get those certifications,” said Tanisha Baptiste, an SBA economic development specialist based in Harford.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, who helped shepherd the federal funding through Congress in her role as House Appropriations Committee chair, said all small businesses can use help to reach their potential.
“We are so delighted that you are here because you do have those dreams,” DeLauro said, addressing entrepreneurs attending the resource fair. “Let’s help them come true.”
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
