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Foster Celebrates National Small Business Week, Launches Survey to Help Grow and Strengthen Businesses in the 11th District

June 19, 2013

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster marked the 50th Annual National Small Business Week with the release of the Illinois 11th Small Business Survey. The survey is designed to help gauge what issues most impact small business owners in the 11th District of Illinois, and how best to provide them with the support and tools they need to remain successful. Congressman Foster and his staff will be actively reaching out to businesses, and soliciting feedback in order to continue the conversation about what the federal government can do to address their concerns.

“As a former small businessman myself, I know that small businesses are the engines that drive our economy and they are a source of pride here in Illinois,” said Foster. “This survey will allow me to better understand the issues that small business owners are facing today, and provide valuable feedback as to what I can do to help them grow and strengthen their business.”

When he was 19, Bill Foster and his brother Fred co-founded a business in their basement that now produces over half of the theatrical stage lighting equipment in the United States. The firm manufactures its products in the Midwest and employs over 650 people.

Since 1963, National Small Business Week has celebrated the vital contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners to the U.S. economy. Last year, small businesses created 700,000 jobs and accounted for 40% of the employment in this country. Additionally, through the 2009 Recovery Act and Small Business Jobs Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA) has supported $93 billion in lending to more than 166,000 small businesses.

The 11th District Small Business Survey is a part of efforts by Congressman Foster to not only highlight the achievements of small businesses, but also to encourage an open dialogue between Congress and Illinois small business owners.