Keynote - The Power of American Businesses and Entrepreneurs

As the engine of the U.S. economy, small businesses make up most of our workforce. From manufacturers, to pre-Silicon Valley IPOs to Main Street America, they drive innovation, job creation and help us compete in the global economy. Yet, with each new and fledgling business comes unique challenges that Maria knows all too well. An entrepreneur herself, she founded ProAmérica Bank to help small businesses have greater access to capital and growth opportunities. Due to her success there, as well as in the state of California as Cabinet Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, she was tapped by President Obama to lead the U.S. Small Business Administration. In this enlightening presentation, Maria shares her deep level of knowledge and insight into growing business and transforming bureaucracies to help others incubate ideas, innovate new technology, adopt new ways of thinking and help small businesses successfully navigate challenges head on.