Forum offers answers for small business questions

You hear it all the time from business people who deal with the federal government: if only someone could help cut the red tape.

Small business owners who sign up in advance will be able to take their concerns directly to the U.S. Small Business Administration on Wednesday when its national ombudsman, Brian Castro, sits down for a roundtable at Columbia City Hall.

“Go right to the top,” said Frank Knapp, South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce president and CEO. “Go see the guy whose office has as one of their primary missions helping small businesses with their concerns about complying with the federal regulations.”

The Office of National Ombudsman, an agency within the federal Small Business Administration, can assist small business owners with whatever federal agency or agencies they deal with, Knapp said.

The office’s mission includes helping business owners understand regulatory requirements, comply with regulations and resolve disputes with federal regulators, said Knapp, who serves on the (U.S.) Region IV Regulatory Fairness Board.

Concerns can pertain to any field where a federal regulation applies, from manufacturing to construction. Local small business people are asked to register for the event Wednesday, but can simply show up.

Columbia Mayor Steven Benjamin will host the discussion.

This story was originally published April 20, 2015 at 11:19 PM with the headline "Forum offers answers for small business questions."