Once again, Richard Bendis spoke with the Wall Street Journal.  In her article, Federal Aid Sought for Equity-Backed Companies, Kelly K. Spors covers the growing initiative to invest in innovative companies.

"There needs to be a balance" when handling the financial needs of "Main Street businesses and innovation entrepreneurs, and I think the SBA is capable of serving both," says Rich Bendis, chief executive and president of Innovation America, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that works with investor groups.

"In December, Innovation America and the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds pitched to members of the Obama transition team a plan to create a government-funded $1 billion seed fund that would shore up angel-investing groups and regional early-stage equity investment programs, which provide equity investments to start-ups. He says the new administration seemed receptive to the idea, but has not moved forward on the proposal."

Federal Aid Sought for Equity-Backed Companies, Kelly K. Spors of the Wall Street Journal