Entrepreneur & Small Business Forum

Outlook & Resources for Small Business 2011

Despite announcements to the effect that the recession ended months ago, few have seen a tangible uptick in the economy. While some segments may be faring slightly better, the general outlook remains guarded.

The event will begin with a discussion of the economic outlook for the tri-state area, followed by a forecast of New York City's business climate. Thirdly, since the economic engine of the region has always been small business, we will look into the operating environment for firms in this sector and discuss resources available to them.

The speakers will discuss steps federal, state, and city governments may take to ease current economic pressures. Further, the Small Business Development Center will provide business owners with a checklist of services available to them.

Jason Bram is a senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Micro-economic and Regional Studies Function. His research and analysis focuses on the U.S. economy, with a primary emphasis on the New York-New Jersey region.

James Brown is the Principal Economist of the New York State Department of Labor in the Division of Statistics & Research. Since 1987, he has provided economic analysis of New York City's job market, with an emphasis on employment and labor issues.

Ira Davidson is a Director of the Pace University Business Development Center, which is the Manhattan regional office of the N.Y. SBDC. SBDC provides business counseling and training to New Yorkers who want to start a business or improve the performance of an existing one on a free-of-charge basis.