SBA: Announces Web Chat Series for Small Business Owners

Contact:
Cecelia Taylor (202) 401-3059


Live Web Chat Series on Entrepreneurship Kicks Off with
J. Scott Plank of Under Armour Performance Apparel,
July 21, 2005 at 1 p.m. EDT

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Small Business Administration announced today the kick off of a live Web chat series for small business owners on Entrepreneurship, beginning in July, to engage business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in a national dialogue about the issues that matter to them most.

The live Web chat series will provide business owners with the opportunity to have an exchange on relevant business issues with real-world industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Participants will converse online in real-time, having direct access to the Web chats via questions they will provide, and be able to receive instant answers to their questions.

Kicking off the first chat will be J. Scott Plank, chief administrative officer of Under Armour Performance Apparel, on Thursday, July 21, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. EDT (10:00 a.m. PDT). The Web chat will focus on “Entrepreneurship: Innovative Strategies for Small Business Growth. Plank will share the incredible story of helping to build a multi-million dollar business with other entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners, as well as provide insight on the successes and challenges of entrepreneurship.

Under Armour Performance Apparel was inducted into the SBA’s 2005 Hall of Fame, awarded to former small businesses that received early-stage SBA assistance. Under Armour, headquartered in Baltimore, Md., is the originator of performance apparel, a line of moisture wicking microfiber clothing that pulls perspiration away from the skin to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout. The company employs more than 450 people, and received the SBA honor based on its exemplary leadership in the business community, innovation, growth and job creation.

Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to www.sba.gov, and clicking “Your Small Business Voice Live Online.” Plank will answer questions for approximately one hour. Participants may also post a question for Plank before the July 21 Web chat by visiting the same Web page and posting their question online. The Live Web chats will be held monthly on a variety of small business topics. For details on future live Web chats, go to www.sba.gov.