Entrepreneurship and small businesses have long been considered engines of the American economy. After taking a hit during the Great Recession, business creation has rebounded, especially among women and minorities. But the growth of new businesses, especially startups, is still lagging behind previous generations.

Join POLITICO on Thursday, May 9, for two deep-dive panel conversations to explore policy solutions to the barriers that small business owners and entrepreneurs face. In one conversation, we will talk with entrepreneurs and small business owners about what federal, city and state leaders should do to create innovative solutions that support their growth. In another conversation, we will get insights into what is moving on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies to improve business owners and entrepreneurs’ chances of success across the country.

Featured Speakers:
Shelly Bell, Founder, Black Girl Ventures
Marla Blow, CEO and founder, FS Card
Craig Buerstatte, Acting Director, Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, U.S. Economic Development Administration
Jeff Hargrave, President and CEO, Mahogany Inc.
Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.), Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Investor Protection, Entrepreneurship and Capital Markets, Committee on Financial Services
Karen Kerrigan, President and CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council; Chair, Small Business Roundtable
Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Chairman, Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Tax and Capital Access, Small Business Committee
Alyssa K. Lovegrove, Managing Director, Georgetown University Entrepreneurship Initiative