Small-business owners and advocates are wondering whether the economic-stimulus plan will fully address their three main concerns: access to government contracts, access to loans and consumers' reluctance to spend.

"I'm curious to see what it does," said Kevin O'Brien, a Denver general contractor and president of O'Brien Construction Inc. "The hole that we dug might be too big to get out of, and I'm thinking sometime in mid-2010 it might turn around."

O'Brien remodels kitchens, bathrooms and basements and said his business has slowed. At this time last year, he was booked through May.

"Right now, I have projects going on hold. Everyone is waiting to see how the market turns," he said.

The stimulus plan, which still requires congressional approval, does include references to tax incentives for job creation and investments including provisions aimed at small businesses, but it does not do enough, some small-business advocates say.

It fails to close loopholes that allow large companies to win government contracts intended for small businesses. It also doesn't ensure that small businesses would be able to access capital, said Chris Gunn, spokesman for the American Small Business League.

"The hope is that it's going to trickle down to small business, but I really question whether or not it will," Gunn said.

The U.S. Census reports that 90 percent of businesses nationwide have fewer than 20 employees and are responsible for 97 percent of net new jobs.

"You have to look at the companies that are going to provide the biggest boost here, and our small businesses are a major engine for economic growth," Gunn said.

Diane Matava, who owns Polkadot, a women's boutique at 1577 S. Pearl St. in Denver, said the stimulus plan has potential but that she is waiting to see how it's implemented.

"It's an excellent idea, but there have to be guidelines as to how the money is given," she said.

Elizabeth Aguilera: 303-954-1372 or eaguilera@denverpost.com

Source:  http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_11693061