By Tom McClimon
July 2, 2012

Tools that mayors can use to help small businesses were discussed at the meeting of the Small Business and Franchising Task Force. Led by the Task Force's co-chairs, Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx and Past Conference President Burnsville Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, participants discussed ways to assist small businesses access capital, and to participate in Small business Saturdays, and a Mayors Franchise Small Business Initiative developed by the International Franchise Association (IFA).

Foxx released "The Mayors Access to Capital Resource Guide," a publication designed to give mayors an overview of federal programs that facilitate small business lending. The Guide also includes initiatives by lenders large and small to make capital more readily available for small businesses, and best practices by cities to assist small businesses. Bank of America sponsored the publication. Steve Turner, Senior Vice President for Small Business Banking for Bank of America, discussed how banks can work with mayors and small businesses to access local capital. Copies will be sent to the mayors. Additional copies are available by contacting Jocelyn Bogen at jbogen@usmayors.org

Mary Ann Fitzmaurice Reilly, American Express OPEN Customer Marketing and Engagement Senior Vice President, discussed ways that mayors can be supportive of Small Business Saturday, which will take place this year on November 24. Over the last two years of the program, there has been a tremendous growth in both the participation of small businesses and the general public. Mayors can be supportive by issuing proclamations and participating in local small business events and of course, by shopping at small businesses.

Dean Heyl, Public Policy and Tax Counsel Director of State Government Relations, and Miriam Brewer, Senior Director of Education and Diversity for the International Franchise Association, reviewed different programs that IFA offers that can assist mayors in helping establish local small businesses and franchises. "Meet the Mayor" programs and Franchise Resource Center activities work directly with mayors offices to reach out to local small businesses. VetFran helps returning service members access franchise opportunities through training, financial assistance, and industry support. Seminars are also conducted around the country to help minority populations open franchise businesses.

George Cloutier, Chairman of Partner America and Chairman and CEO of American Management Services, encourage the mayors to repetitively offer programs to assist small businesses. Once a year programs are not enough, he stated. Mayors should be offering such programs every month.

Foxx released the Mayors Access to Capital Resource Guide at a plenary session. In his remarks, the mayor thanked Bank of America for their support of the publication and discussed ways he has worked with the banking community in his city to help small businesses access capital. Janet Lamkin, President of Bank of America California, also addressed the session and thanked the mayors for working with the banking community and pledged their support for continuing to work with mayors on helping local small businesses access capital.