As a major generator of small business growth, eBay knows that entrepreneurs often face serious hurdles in getting their ventures off the ground.  Ensuring those entrepreneurs have the tools they need to clear those hurdles remains important to eBay, which is why we were proud to co-sponsor National Small Business Week in Washington, D.C.

As part of Small Business Week, eBay had the pleasure of sponsoring a Small Business Administration (SBA) Town Hall entitled, “Small Business: Driving America’s Economy, at Washington’s Mandarin Oriental hotel. The Town Hall discussion panel was moderated by MSNBC’s J.J. Ramberg and featured eBay’s own Dinesh Lathi, who serves as the company’s North American vice president of buyer and seller experience. The other panel members included SBA Administrator Karen Mills and two small business award winners.

The discussion covered a variety of issues – from the problems small businesses have gaining credit to tips on how entrepreneurs can start and grow ventures during the current financial downturn.

Dinesh took the opportunity to tout eBay as a tool for small business success, noting that it is “fast, easy and cheap” to use – and that it provides built-in access to 80 million buyers. In addition, he told the audience about eBay University, held in university lecture halls across the country, where both new and experienced sellers can learn how to make the most out of eBay.

Dinesh also had a productive meeting at the White House during his time in the nation’s capital, where he discussed how eBay has become a major point of small business growth and how its online marketplace is a key part of the United States economy.

Dinesh Lathi stands outside the White House in Washington, D.C.

Dinesh Lathi represents eBay at the  “Small Business: Driving America’s Economy" Panel in Washington, D.C.