NEWSRELEASE
For Release: May 16, 2003
Contact: John McDowell (202) 205-6941
john.mcdowell@sba.gov
SBA Number: 03-35 ADVO
Advocacy Acts To
Improve Effectiveness, Usefulness Of
Small Business Research
Chicago Focus Group Is First Of 10 Planned Listening Sessions
WASHINGTON, D.C. Acting to improve both the effectiveness and usefulness of the federal governments small business research, the Office of Advocacy of the SBA today held the first of 10 regional research listening sessions. Attended by small business academics and researchers and hosted at DePaul University in Chicago, the focus group discussed the results and the process of Advocacy sponsored small business research.
"We are holding regional focus groups so that our research products adequately reflect the needs of academics and policy makers," said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy. "We want our reports and data to be an integral part of academic research. This fits with President Bushs management agenda goal of assessing the effectiveness of our programs through their results, not on the money spent on them," he said.
Last year Advocacy produced economic reports on a variety of topics. A number explored the characteristics of small business owners, while several studies focused on specific topics relevant to small business. Highlights include reports focusing on the effect of tax rule changes, the impact of contract bundling on small businesses, the influence of university research and development on new firm formation, the opportunities created by electronic commerce, and the value of government worker-training programs. With each additional study, the crucial role that small business plays in the economy is more clearly understood.
The Office of Advocacy is committed to fulfilling its mission of providing sound research and data that is important to small businesses, academics, and policy makers. Upcoming research will continue to highlight a wide range of issues and explore the central role of small firms in their communities and the economy.
For more information, visit the Office of Advocacy website at www.sba.gov/advo.
###
Created by Congress in 1976, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent voice for small business within the federal government. Appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the Chief Counsel for Advocacy directs the office. The Chief Counsel advances the views, concerns, and interests of small business before Congress, the White House, federal agencies, federal courts, and state policy makers. Economic research, policy analyses, and small business outreach help identify issues of concern. Regional Advocates and an office in Washington, DC, support the Chief Counsels efforts. For more information on the Office of Advocacy, visit www.sba.gov/advo, or call (202) 205-6533.