“Rapid innovation, workforce mobility, and corporate collaboration” – that’s how Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the US Small Business Administration and member of President Obama’s cabinet, summed up the keys to growing the entrepreneurial economy today.
She was speaking as part of a breakfast roundtable, ‘London: The Future of Tech’, convened by Seven Hills at Level39 in Canary Wharf. Her audience included investors, entrepreneurs, and advisers from across the capital’s tech community, who gathered to debate the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the city’s digital economy.
Taking part in a discussion on everything from the rise of London’s billion-dollar businesses to the diversity deficit across the sector, guests were enthusiastic to speak with, and learn from Contreras-Sweet.
She spoke of the US government’s support for SMEs, the functions of the Small Business Administration and her dedication to ensuring its funding recipients represent a diverse cross-section of society. She also underlined the importance of innovators, investors and institutions working together in tandem.
Chaired by Seven Hills co-founder Michael Hayman, the morning event closed with consideration paid to how corporate collaboration can inspire the next wave of growth and innovation.