WASHINGTON — Recognizing the alliances between credit unions andsmall businesses, NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson is joining the SmallBusiness Administration in the marking of National Small BusinessWeek, which kicks off April 21.

“NCUA promotes a credit union environment that fosters theentrepreneurial spirit for credit union members while maintaining asafe and sound credit union system,” Johnson said. “I stronglysupport President Bush for fostering an economic and regulatoryframework that gives credit unions the flexibility to provideaffordable capital to its member-owners.”

Johnson highlighted the work NCUA and SBA have done togetherincluding the facilitation of Webinar programs on business lendingservices and SBA's loan programs. Credit unions have alsodemonstrated a strong commitment to small businesses through thepromotion of individual development accounts, business developmentseminars and micro-enterprise lending, she added.

“I encourage credit unions to continue providing prudent andresponsible member business lending products that helpmember-owners establish viable businesses, create jobs and sustainlocal communities,” Johnson said.

SBA has scheduled a number of events for National Small BusinessWeek April 21-25. For more information, log on towww.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com.