National Small Business Week puts the spotlight on the 30 million small businesses across the country. Through various events like awards ceremonies, media features, and community gatherings, we celebrate entrepreneurs whose achievements stand out. As an entrepreneur myself, I understand the hard work that goes into starting and growing a small business—efforts that often don’t get the recognition they deserve.
The honorees of this week don’t overshadow others; instead, they act as role models for competitors, newcomers, and entire communities. They exemplify what’s possible by being innovators and problem solvers, creating products and services that are better, smarter, or more efficient. Their willingness to take risks inspires others to dream and build their own small businesses.
Small businesses play a crucial role in our communities and the economy. They create two-thirds of new jobs in the private sector. More than half of all Americans either work for or own a small business. Entrepreneurs do more than just make a living for themselves; they make their neighborhoods vibrant places to live and work, contributing significantly to our nation’s economic strength.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has been proud to support small businesses for 65 years. Since 1953, the SBA has provided entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. With its headquarters in Washington, DC, 68 district offices nationwide, and resource partners like Small Business Development Centers, Women’s Business Centers, Veterans Business Opportunity Centers, and SCORE chapters, the SBA assists entrepreneurs at every stage. It guarantees loans for those who can’t get capital from other sources, reducing the risk for lenders. The SBA also offers counseling on various aspects of starting and growing a business, including drafting business plans and exporting products. It trains small businesses to compete for government contracts and helps those recovering from disasters.
Whether starting up, expanding, or navigating tough times, the SBA is the nation’s go-to resource for small businesses, backed by the federal government’s strength and resources. It fuels the American Dream and works to make that dream accessible to more people by modernizing application processes, improving online resources, and streamlining technology for better service delivery.
National Small Business Week honors entrepreneurs who have utilized these resources to improve their lives and communities. By highlighting their achievements, the SBA hopes to inspire even more aspiring entrepreneurs to follow in their footsteps.
