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

It's not government that creates jobs; it's small business. Our job is to make sure they have the access to capital, the access to contracting opportunities, and the help, advice and mentoring that they need to go out and be successful.

I think we've learned that the S.B.A. plays a critical role in providing access and opportunity when the market is not providing that access. We help banks get that money out into the hands of important and viable businesses, particularly those owned by minorities, women, immigrants and veterans.

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 have told us that having cash in their pocket is one of the primary things that they need.

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

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.