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America’s economic leadership depends on small businesses, which create two out of every three jobs in the U.S. and help drive the technological innovation that ensures our long-term competitiveness.

Editor's Note: This blog was originally posted by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

Editor's Note: This blog was originally posted by the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, by their Deputy Director, Audrey Buering

The Green Launching Pad program is helping new businesses grow and save energy.

Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories are teaming up with small businesses in New Mexico to provide technical assistance free of charge.

“Who here has seen the movie The Help?” I asked. Twenty hands went up, eager for me to call on them. “What does Aibileen say to the little girl she takes care of?”

The answer came ringing back from the girls surrounding me – “You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

It is a pleasure to join the Administration as the Director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity here at the Department of Energy.  When President Obama nominated me for this position, I immediately recognized the vital importance of the work that this office does. From assisting small businesses to supporting minority serving institutions to enhancing the diversity and inclusion at the Department, this office has a mission-critical role for our clean energy future.

You’ve got to do your homework in order to contract with the federal government. Whether you are a large or small business owner, learning the ins and outs of government contracting takes dedication, perseverance, and taking advantage of opportunities to meet face-to-face with procurement experts and other businesses.

To train and educate the future leaders of the nuclear energy field, the Energy Department is offering $47.2 million in competitive scholarships, fellowships, research projects and university research reactor upgrades.

Talking to young people about clean, renewable energy sources as part of the White House's Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.