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.

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

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.

We don't want to give a business that is not going to come through the troubled waters a loan that they can't pay back.

One of the most important things we hear is the S.B.A. needs to be ubiquitous. We do all these things, but people still don't know.

After four years as Administrator of the SBA, I have let President Obama know that I will not be staying for a second term. I will stay on until my successor is confirmed to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

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