Mayor Mark Smith, U.S. Small Business Administration District Director Al Titone, and a representative of Senator Lautenberg's office toured local businesses in Bayonne recently, listening to business owners' concerns and answering questions about programs to assist them.

"We thank Senator Lautenberg for bringing this support to the small business community in the City of Bayonne," stated Mayor Mark Smith. "My office is, and will continue to be, committed to growing this critical and vibrant part of our community, and we look forward to continuing to bring the resources of the U.S. Small Business Administration into our City."

This walking tour was held as part of the City's efforts to streamline and strengthen the support that is provided to businesses to help promote local shopping.

Other initiatives being put forth by the Administration of Mayor Mark Smith include increasing the online presence of the City of Bayonne and its business community, initiating the City's first ever Farmer's Market, and providing for more direct interaction between local business and the City.

"Walking tours, like the one conducted by Mayor Mark Smith, certainly enhance the SBA's ability to support more economic development projects," stated Al Titone, SBA Regional Administrator. "Development of small business leads to economic growth, which eventually will bring more jobs to the City of Bayonne."

Over a two year period the SBA has approved 10 loans totaling $4.6 million to Bayonne small businesses.

"The loan that allowed me to purchase the building my business is in came through the SBA," reflected Maria Provenzano-Upenieks, owner of Herbert's Army and Navy, and a newly appointed member of the UEZ Board. "That critical support helped me keep these jobs in Bayonne, and Mayor Smith has gone to extraordinary lengths to help do the same for other businesses throughout the City."

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