Jen Benson to create a business help-desk
Jen Benson speaking with voters

October 14, 2008 - Jen Benson, candidate for State Representative in the 37th Middlesex District, said today that if elected she will create a help-desk for businesses so that owners and managers are fully aware of the state sponsored programs to assist in financing, creating business plans, and other services.

Benson is currently the Chair of the Lunenburg School Committee and is the Democratic nominee for the 37th Middlesex state house seat.

"State government provides businesses with many opportunities for economic growth," said Benson. "As the only candidate in this race pledged to be a full-time state representative, I will spend a large part of my time making sure that our businesses know what is available from the state and get what they need from those programs."

Benson has spoken about the difficulty many small businesses have finding startup and operating funding in the form of low interest loans or venture capital.

"Many businesses don't know about help they can get from Small Business Innovative Research grants, the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, or the Massachusetts Community Development Finance Corporation. These programs can be particularly helpful now because of the tightened private credit market," said Benson. "I will be a liaison between these innovative organizations and businesses in the district. I will visit businesses, hold workshops for business owners, and dedicate staff time to make sure they know about these programs."

"I will also be taking the message back to Beacon Hill that many parts of the small business permitting process are too difficult and time consuming," said Benson. "I spoke with a new Acton small business owner last week. One of the permitting forms was not available online and he was required to physically mail a check to the authority to receive the form. I will work to streamline the permitting process, making relevant permitting forms and instructions available online."

Benson will also make sure that the towns of the district understand what they can expect from the state in terms of local aid.

"It is clear that the current credit crunch is going to affect municipal government as well and as a municipal official myself, I know how important it is for local officials to have timely, accurate information on funding sources," said Benson. "Only a full-time representative will have the ability to manage these and other tasks that are so critical to the district."