By Rebecca S. Rivas for The St. Louis American: What is the Obama administration doing for the African-American community? "That's a limiting question," said Michael Blake, deputy associate director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and an associate director for the White House Office of Public Engagement.
Blake spoke to about 75 African-American business and community organization leaders on April 20 to discuss some of the White House's new programs. He also heard the audience members' concerns that federal initiatives for minorities often don't play out on the local level.
The event, held at FUSE Advertising on the Landing, was one of 1,000 events in 100 cities that Blake will hold to get the word out about these initiatives and how people can access them.
"This is showing that you can organize even if you are not present," Blake said. "How do you identify people on the ground who do this every day? My job is to find the local leaders around the country."
First, Blake announced a new website, www.whitehouse.gov/africanamericans, which lists the federal programs benefiting the black community. From small-business lending programs to health care, Blake laid out the "Winning the Future" federal budget 2012. After an hour of discussion, Blake said he heard a continual theme.
"You have people who run businesses who are ready," he said. "All they want is a chance. They want access to the opportunities. One of the things I'll take back is we need to continue to find ways to make people aware of the opportunities and then concretely make the connection to the agency who can provide that help."
To help entrepreneurs in low-income and minority communities start businesses and create jobs in inner cities, the federal budget includes $13 million to continue the U.S. Small Business Administration's Emerging Leaders initiative (formerly Emerging 200). Overall, the budget supports $16.5 billion in 7(a) loan guarantees, helping small businesses operate and expand.
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