National symposia series addresses challenges facing small
businesses
CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
The Travelers
Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies,
Inc. (NYSE: TRV),
today will hold its next Small Business – Big Opportunity℠
symposium at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond’s Charlotte, N.C.,
branch. In partnership with the Charlotte Chamber and City Startup Labs,
the event will convene public policymakers, industry advocates and local
small business owners to promote small business success.
“As one of the nation’s largest insurers of small businesses, we are
committed to fostering productive discussion to help them thrive,” said
Joan Woodward, President of Travelers Institute and Executive Vice
President of Public Policy at Travelers. “From access to capital to
complex regulations, Travelers is convening thought leaders to help
entrepreneurs navigate challenges they face.”
Matthew Martin, Regional Executive, Charlotte Branch, Federal Reserve
Bank of Richmond, will deliver a keynote address exploring the national
and regional economic outlook.
Woodward will lead a panel discussion focusing on strategies for
accessing capital in the current lending environment, cybersecurity
concerns and navigating the regulatory landscape. The panel will include
the following industry professionals:
- Lynn Douthett, District Director, North Carolina District
Office, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA);
- Michael Echols, Director, Joint Program Management Office,
Cybersecurity and Communications, Department of Homeland Security;
- Jeff Haney, President & Partner, ECM Solutions; and
- Anika Kahn, Director & Senior Economist, Wells Fargo
Immediately following the program, the SBA will present a $50,000 award
to City Startup Labs for the SBA’s first Growth
Accelerator Fund competition.
To learn more about the series and Travelers’ small business advocacy,
please visit the Travelers
Institute’s website.
About Charlotte Chamber
The
Charlotte Chamber creates competitive advantage by growing the
economy, advocating pro-business public policies and delivering
innovative programs and services. Its vision is that Charlotte will be
the best place to run a business and to live. As a membership
organization, it represents the largest network of businesses in
Charlotte, N.C.
About City Startup Labs
City
Startup Labs (CSL) is a business accelerator delivering training and
coaching to young black men (18-34), while guiding them to plan and
launch successful ventures, and be catalysts for change in their
communities. City Startup Labs also sees teaching entrepreneurship as
21st century vocational training. CSL works in collaboration with the
Urban League of Central Carolinas, in Charlotte, N.C.
About Travelers Institute
The Travelers
Institute, the public policy division of The Travelers Companies,
Inc., engages in discussion and analysis of public policy topics of
importance to the insurance marketplace and the financial services
industry more broadly. The Travelers Institute draws upon the industry
expertise of Travelers’ senior management and the technical expertise of
many of Travelers underwriters, risk managers and other experts to
provide information, analysis and solutions to public policymakers and
regulators. Travelers is a leading provider of property casualty
insurance for auto,
home
and business.
For more information, visit www.Travelers.com.

Media Contact:
The Travelers Companies, Inc.
Luke
Shane, 860-277-4090
lshane@travelers.com
Source: The Travelers Companies, Inc.