The African Business Journal: Obama urges small business initiatives passage Obama urges small business initiatives passage ================================================================================ World News on 28 July, 2010 08:25:00 TABJ July 28 - U.S. President Barack Obama has asked Congress to pass legislation that will help small businesses grow and allow for job creation. A Senate measure would create a lending fund to assist community banks offering loans. Obama spoke following a meeting with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders at the White House, arguing that the Republicans are trying to advance the same agenda that led the country into the recession.