Norton's Small Business Fair Almost Doubles in Attendance

April 8, 2008 

Washington, D.C. - Perhaps propelled by the downturn in the economy, more than 500 residents and small business owners today joined Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) at the Washington Convention Center for her 5th Annual Small Business Access to Capital Fair. The Fair, free to D.C. residents and businesses, with more than 500 attending, attracted almost twice the number as last year, and filled one of the largest meeting rooms at the Washington Convention Center, to hear from lenders, D.C. and federal contractors, and expert advisors, topped off by one-on-one meetings. Workshops on financing, building and growing small businesses and on securing government contracts drew standing room only attendance.

The largest turnout yet for the Small Business Access to Capital Fair probably reflected that word is around in the District that D.C. small businesses can get hundreds of dollars worth of advice and access free of charge at Norton's annual fair. The large turnout also reflected the growing needs and fears of small businesses in the midst of the worst economic downturn in years, Norton believes.

She said the highlight of the morning session was the keynoter, Patricia Spruill, a small business proprietor who, along with her husband, Granderson Spruill and their sons, operates Just Want To Work, LLC, a Ward 8 home-based residential and commercial cleaning service in Washington, D.C. Patricia Spruill inspired the packed room, and at the same time, offered the audience concrete advice that held the rapt attention from the crowd.

In her remarks, Ms. Spruill said that seeing "the streets...sucking the life out of almost an entire generation" and her oldest son unable to get a job, produced a vision of their own business, "coupled... with a growing need for gainful employment for the other siblings of our large family and the rapidly growing need for quality cleaning services in today's expanding market."

Backed by the family's success after four years in business, Ms. Spruill gave particular credit to the Anacostia Economic Development Center and offered some memorable and practical advice of her own: "Write the vision and make it [a] plan...Do the leg work...The most feared agency in America, the IRS, is an excellent source of help...Don't be afraid to get your spouse involved in your vision ...Some professional services are well worth what you pay for them. They can keep you out of legal dilemmas. You don't have an accountant on board on a monthly basis, but you should have them review your books annually and prepare your tax returns." Norton said, "Hearing from a small business person who reflected the aspirations of the audience kicked the day into high gear in a way that made those who attended hungry for more."