Small businesses, you can give them capital, but what they often need as much is mentoring, advice and help with their business plan.

Small businesses are really the engine in the economy.

I recently had the opportunity to participate in 'Inc.''s first-ever 'Hire Power Awards' event in Washington, D.C. The event was a testament to the power of American entrepreneurship and the role that it plays in driving job creation and innovation in a wide array of industries.

I grew up in a family business... that really has provided the core of my belief in American small business, and in America's ability to grow and operate important businesses that can compete and be successful.

Small businesses want things streamlined, and one of the great successes we're having is less paperwork, faster turnaround times.

In October 2008, when the credit crunch hit, small businesses were really crushed by the lack of capital.

The morale when I came in was not the best. It was because the agency had not been valued.