BOSTON, MA -- U.S. Senate candidate and consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren commends small businesses across the Commonwealth during Small Business Week 2012. From Springfield to New Bedford, Elizabeth has met with small business owners, and she is committed to protecting their interests.

"Whether it is a clean energy start-up, a restaurant, or a 'mom and pop' shop on the corner, small businesses are the heart of our economy and we need to level the playing field for them," said Warren. "Washington works for those who can hire armies of lawyers and lobbyists, but we need for Washington to work for small businesses."

According to the Massachusetts Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, small businesses comprise 86% of all businesses in Massachusetts, and ADP reports that small businesses created nearly 97% of new jobs in April 2012.

"Elizabeth came by Cindy's Kitchen and she was very attentive to our needs," said Ed Byers, co-owner of Cindy's Kitchen, a salad dressing company based in Brockton. "Elizabeth is the type of leader we need here in Massachusetts to fight for small businesses and to invest in our local economies."

"Elizabeth and I have spoken at length about the needs and concerns of small business owners in Massachusetts," said Jeannie Hebert, President and CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce in Whitinsville. "I was very impressed to see how dedicated she is to supporting small businesses, having gone out of her way to meet with them around the state to listen to their thoughts."

During the implementation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Elizabeth Warren prioritized the creation of the Office of Small Business, Community Banks and Credit Unions. In this capacity, she travelled around the country to meet with small financial service providers and small businesses to listen to their concerns. Elizabeth oversaw the development of a prototype simple, shortened mortgage disclosure form and a prototype two-page credit card agreement, making it easier for consumers and businesses alike. The simplified forms reduce costs and burdens for small businesses.

Small Business Week is an annual celebration started by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.