Sarasota, FL -- Congressman Vern Buchanan, Florida's only member of the U.S. House Small Business Committee, announced today that he will hold a bipartisan congressional hearing in Sarasota on April 19 to discuss access to capital for small businesses.

Mr. Eric R. Zarnikow, Associate Administrator for Capital Access, will represent the Small Business Administration (SBA). Congressman Kurt Schrader (D-Oregon), chairman of the House Small Business Subcommittee on Finance and Taxes, will also attend the hearing.

“Small businesses play a vital role in creating jobs and growing the economy,” said Buchanan. “This hearing will provide them with information on how to access the capital they need to sustain and grow their businesses. Small businesses will also have an opportunity to give feedback on how the federal government can better serve the small business community.”

The event will feature several panelists including U.S. Chamber of Commerce Sr. Vice President William C. Miller, Sabal Palm Bank CEO Brian Hall, and business consultant Herbert Brill.

The meeting will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Monday, April 19 at the Selby Auditorium on the University of South Florida campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota, Florida. (Map it)

There is no fee to attend the event, but space is limited. Please click here to RSVP online or call 941.951.6643.

Congressman Buchanan is vice chairman of the Subcommittee on Finance and Taxes on the U.S. House Small Business Committee.