Fosters January 17 – Small Business Day at Statehouse Feb. 10

CONCORD – New Hampshire small business owners and managers will have an opportunity to hear directly from the state’s top elected leaders regarding key small business issues and ask questions. They’ll also benefit from practical resources and information to help them sustain their business through the difficult economic recession.

The Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center (NH SBDC), and local and regional chambers of commerce will host the fourth Annual Small Business Day at the State House on Feb. 10 to engage small businesses in public policy discussion and debate. The event will be held from 7:30-11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn in Concord.

“Most of the state’s employers are small businesses with less than 10 employees, which is evidence of New Hampshire’s strong entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to support and nurture start-ups. Yet small businesses are continually challenged when it comes to operating successfully and efficiently in New Hampshire, particularly in this tough economy,” said BIA President Jim Roche. “This event helps connect small business owners and managers to state policy-makers and provides a forum to make their voices heard on issues that really matter and impact their bottom line.”

Sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review, Small Business Day at the State House will begin with a panel discussion with some of the state’s top elected leaders, followed by questions from the audience. The state leadership panel will focus specifically on top small business issues of 2009 and how state elected leaders will resolve them.

Two workshops will complete the morning program.

Dawn Wivell, director of the New Hampshire International Trade Resource Center, will lead a seminar titled “Never Too Small to Export.” The second workshop, presented by the NH SBDC and moderated by NH SBDC State Director Mary Collins, is titled “Sustaining Your Business In Challenging Times.”

After the event, attendees may have an opportunity to meet one-on-one with legislators. Local chambers participating in the event are being encouraged to set up meetings between their small business members and lawmakers from their area.

The cost to attend is $15 per person and includes continental breakfast. To register, call 603-224-5388 x116 or visit acteva.com/go/nhbia.

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This may also be a good time to challenge your legislators on bills that propose new taxes and fees on businesses and individuals.