Mass. small business office names new head

Published on Tuesday, May 13, 2008

BOSTON – Monday, May 12, 2008 – Housing and Economic Development Secretary Daniel O’Connell announced today the selection of André M. Porter to head the Massachusetts Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Porter, the former Deputy Director for the city of Boston’s Office of Business Development, will oversee this key business development agency.

“The Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship is a critical component of the Patrick administration’s overall strategy for job growth and economic development,” said Secretary O’Connell. “André’s expertise in commercial lending and business development is just what is needed to help the thousounds of small businesses grow and create jobs right here in the Commonwealth.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Workforce Development, 178,652 employment establishments with fewer than 500 employees were in the state at the end of March 2007. These establishments employed over 2.5 million people, roughly 85% of the workforce. “Having a state office that can help coordinate the many resources available to help small and micro businesses, and advocate at the policy level is critical if Massachusetts is to continue to maximize its entrepreneurial potential,” said O’Connell.

Porter will spend the next several weeks holding small business town meetings around the state to hear directly from owners about their unique issues and how public and private resources can be leveraged to support business growth and retention in the state.