WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration, spoke today before Italy’s premier small business trade organization, Confartigianato Impresse.  His presentation focused on the state of American small business and its contributions to economic growth and job creation.

“American economic growth has been solid for many years,” said Dr. Moutray.  “Many countries are keenly interested in how small business has driven our development and job creation.  American entrepreneurs are dynamic risk-takers and their strategies and methods can help encourage similar outcomes in other countries.”

Established in 1946, Confartigianato Impresse today represents more than 521,000 Italian businesses and entrepreneurs.  At its conference held in Rome, Dr. Moutray presented findings from The Small Business Economy: A Report to the President 2006.  Other attendees included the Italian Minister of Economic Development, Pier Luigi Bersani, who also delivered remarks.

The Office of Advocacy, the “small business watchdog” of the federal government, examines the role and status of small business in the economy and independently represents the views of small business to federal agencies, Congress, and the President. It is the source for small business statistics presented in user-friendly formats, and it funds research into small business issues.