Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, employing more than 740,000 workers across our state alone. I worked with my colleagues to secure COVID relief so small businesses could keep their doors open and workers on the payroll during the pandemic, including grants for more than 260 restaurants and nearly $13 million in support for live venues in the First District. Over the last two years, there have been 92,000 new applications for small businesses in Connecticut, and 12.7 million new jobs created nationwide, bringing unemployment to its lowest rate in 50 years. 

As we rebuild our economy from the impacts of the pandemic, I remain focused on finding solutions to help small businesses grow and thrive. I introduced the bipartisan American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act to ensure Connecticut businesses can invest in developing the technologies of the future. I met with local manufacturers last week, including East Hartford’s Peening Technologies and South Windsor’s Bloomy Controls, to discuss the need for this legislation and how integral research and development are to our state’s workforce.

Rep. Larson visits East Hartford's Peening Technologies

On Thursday, I attended the National Small Business Week SBA Awards & Resource Expo to celebrate our state’s small business success stories, including Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Manchester Awnings, Woman-Owned Business of the Year Collaborative ABA Solutions, and Small Businessperson of the Year Control Solutions President & CEO Dennis Nash. 

Dennis Nash, President & CEO of Manchester’s Control Solutions, is recognized as Small Businessperson of the Year   

To follow what I’m working on both in Washington and in Connecticut, visit my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter, or follow me on Instagram.

Regards,

John B. Larson
Member of Congress