Small Business Week – SmallBusiness.com https://smallbusiness.com Small business information, insight and resources | SmallBusiness.com Wed, 23 Mar 2022 22:14:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.2 The SBA’s National Small Business Week is May 1-7, 2022 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-administration/the-sbas-national-small-business-week-is-may-1-7-2022/ Wed, 23 Mar 2022 22:14:31 +0000 https://smallbusiness.com/?p=42397 Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), recently announced that this year’s National Small Business Week will take place May 1-7, 2022.

“The virtual summit will acknowledge small businesses from across the country for their resilience, ingenuity, and creativity. It will also recognize SBA partners for their involvement in entrepreneurial development, disaster recovery, government contracting, financial development, and overall support for small businesses and entrepreneurship.” 

This year’s theme, Building a Better America through Entrepreneurship, celebrates the resiliency and tenacity of America’s entrepreneurs who are doing their part to power our nation’s historic economic comeback,” said Guzman.

 Highlights

The free, four-day virtual summit, will honor the nation’s 32.5 million small businesses for their perseverance, said Guzman. “It will feature access to: critical federal resources, educational workshops, and networking to help our nation’s entrepreneurs pivot and grow in the face of any challenge, seize new opportunities, and make sure the dream of starting a small business is in reach for every American. ”

The 2022 Small Business Persons of the Year award winners from each state, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, will be honored. The SBA will also announce the 2022 National Small Business Person of the Year from among the state winners represented.

Details on National Small Business Week event registration and speaker information will be announced later and posted on www.sba.gov/NSBW.     

In addition, National Small Business Week recognitions and educational sessions will occur throughout each of the SBA’s 10 regions and 68 district offices.    

About National Small Business Week

For more than 51 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.  More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.  As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness

Image: SBA

]]> SBA Announces Call for Nominations for National Small Business Week Awards | 2022 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/sba-announces-call-for-nominations-for-2022-national-small-business-week-awards/ Thu, 09 Dec 2021 21:38:38 +0000 https://smallbusiness.com/?p=42295

(Press release via SBA.gov) Nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards. The NSBW Awards recognize the achievements of SBA-assisted small businesses and the contributions they have made to their communities and our nation’s economy. For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

via: SBA.gov

All nominations should be submitted electronically by 3 p.m. EST on January 11, 2022. The awards will be presented during the NSBW Awards ceremony in the first week of May 2022. To nominate a small business owner in your area or download related forms, criteria, and guidelines, visit sba.gov/nsbw.

Nominations for the following categories will be accepted

Small Business Person of the Year:

  • A business/owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam will be selected for the State Winner award.
  • The state award winners will compete for the title of National Small Business Person of the Year, SBA’s signature award.

Small Business Exporter of the Year

Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery:

  • Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery
  • Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Public Official
  • Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Volunteer

Federal Procurement Awards:

  • Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
  • Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large prime contractors who use small businesses as suppliers and contractors)
  • 8(a) Graduate of the Year

Awards to SBA Resource Partners:

  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award
  • Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award
  • Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year

Small Business Investment Company of the Year

For contact information and other information, visit online at https://www.sba.gov/local- assistance.


Photo: GettyImages

]]> Highlights from the National Small Business Week | 2021 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/highlights-from-the-national-small-business-week-2021/ Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:34:45 +0000 https://smallbusiness.com/?p=42118 The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) used last week to provide materials and information to help small business owners and self-employed individuals comply with filing and paying requirements.

Here’s a recap of key topics covered in IRS messages during National Small Business Week. We will use a future post to review information from the SBA.

Small businesses can share the word with employees about the child tax credit

The IRS encourages employers to help get the word out about the advance payments of the child tax credit during Small Business Week. Employers have direct access to many who may receive this credit. IRS.gov has tools employers can use to deliver this information, including e-posters, drop-in articles for newsletters and social media posts to share.

IRS resources to help small business employers understand and meet their tax responsibilities

The IRS acknowledges that small business employers have unique tax responsibilities. The agency has a variety of information and resources to help employers understand and meet these unique tax responsibilities. Most of these resources are available anytime at IRS.gov.

Employers should choose their payroll service provider carefully

To meet payroll and employment tax responsibilities, many businesses hire a payroll and payroll tax company. Most of these businesses provide quality service, however, sometimes a payroll service provider doesn’t submit their client’s payroll taxes and closes abruptly. The client remains legally responsible for paying the taxes due even if they sent funds for deposits or payments to the payroll service provider. The IRS urges employers to choose carefully when selecting a payroll provider. The agency also encourages employers to enroll in the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. It’s free and when deposits are made under their EIN, it lets them monitor that their payroll service provider is making their tax deposits.

Small business owners should see if they qualify for the home office deduction

Many Americans have been working from home due to the pandemic the home office deduction. This tip will help taxpayers understand the home office deduction and whether they can claim it.

Renewed work opportunity tax credit can help employers hire workers

Recent legislation extended the work opportunity tax credit through the end of 2025. With many businesses facing a tight job market, the IRS reminds employers to check out this valuable tax credit available to them for hiring long-term unemployment recipients and other groups of workers facing significant barriers to employment.

]]> National Small Business Week Virtual Conference Schedule | May 7-8 2019 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/national-small-business-week-2019/ Tue, 23 Apr 2019 17:22:42 +0000 https://smallbusiness.com/?p=34757 As part of this year’s (2019) National Small Business Week (NSBW), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE will co-host the second annual NSBW Online Conference from May 7 – 8, 2019. The conference will include educational webinars presented by NSBW cosponsors, virtual exhibit booths, and a networking room where business owners have an opportunity to connect with a mentor — all online.

The virtual exhibit hall and networking areas will be open from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. ET daily. The webinar registration is currently open, and each virtual session will be available on demand thereafter. The event is free of charge, but registration is required.

National Small Business Week, 2019
Online, Virtual Conference Schedule

The U.S. Economic Outlook and Its Impact on Small Businesses

Presented by Visa | May 7, 2019 | 11:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m.

Visa’s Principal U.S. Economist, Michael Brown, will provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of the U.S. economy with a focus on the trends impacting the small business sector. Specific issues:

  • Economic update: An outlook through 2020 focusing on key macroeconomic variables influencing the consumer, including income growth, the labor market, consumer spending, the housing market, interest rates, and potential risks.
  • Small business outlook: How are businesses feeling and which industries are expanding?
  • The great recession, great expectations: Many remember the last economic downturn with its widespread impact on the consumer sector, but the next recession will likely be different. Looking ahead, the expected impact of the next downturn on consumer spending and geographies will also be explored.

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

SBA Funding Programs Explained

Presented by SBA’s Office of Capital Access | May 7, 2019 |12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Start or expand your business with loans guaranteed by the SBA. This webinar, presented by SBA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of Capital Access, John Miller, will explain the Agency’s funding programs and how small businesses can benefit from them. Participant takeaways will include:

  • Familiarity with the SBA’s loan programs 7(a), 504 and Microloans
  • How to apply for an SBA loan
  • Lender Match – matching borrowers to SBA lenders

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

The Culture Imperative: Drive Growth with Customer Obsession

Presented by Chase | May 7, 2019 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Business growth is of the utmost importance to all small business owners. But did you know customer experience is the new battleground for business growth and sustainable small business success starts with the people inside? Webinar by researcher and entrepreneur Ryan Estis. Participant takeaways will include: you will learn to drive business growth by:

  • Understanding how fast customer expectations are changing, what today’s consumer wants and how to deliver a differentiated experience to drive business growth
  • Exploring tactical methods to improve the talent lifecycle including recruiting, on-boarding, performance management and elevating employee engagement
  • Understanding how to cultivate a high-performance culture and embrace the opportunity to improve the lives of all the stakeholders you serve

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

Creating Effective Online Ads

Presented by Google | May 7, 2019 | 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Discover how online ads can help your business connect to new customers, promote special offers and grow brand awareness. Join speaker and trainer with the Grow with Google Partners Program, Matt Weber, for this introductory session that will explore the foundations of display and search advertising, including where your ads can appear and how to measure results. You’ll learn:

  • The basics of display and search ads
  • How to write a clear, compelling calls to action
  • Tips for choosing the conversions you want to measure

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

Making Sense of Online Marketing: A Simple Checklist for Success

Presented by Constant Contact | May 8, 2019 | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The idea of getting your business online can often feel scary and even confusing. With so many moving parts, figuring out what to do and how to do it presents a unique challenge for time-starved small business owners. Don’t worry, once you understand how it all works together you can stop wasting time and focus on the things that benefit your business. Led by Director of Content Marketing at Constant Contact, Dave Charest. Focused on foundational elements to help you get the word out about your business. In this session you’ll learn how to:

  • Get people to find you online
  • Set yourself up for success
  • Encourage new and repeat business

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

How to do Business with the Federal Government

Presented by the SBA’s Office of Government Contracting and Business Development | May 8, 2019 | 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The key to doing business with the federal government utilizing SBA’s programs is understanding how they fit for you.  This webinar, presented by Francine Morris with the SBA, will give you an overview of the Agency’s small business program eligibilities and additional small business tools to assist in gaining access to federal procurements. In this session you will:

  • Understand SBA’s small business government contracting and business development programs
  • Know how to market your business and identify federal opportunities
  • Distinguish between prime and subcontracting relationships
  • Learn about what resources are available to assist you 

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

Mastering Control of Your Cash Flow

Presented by Square | May 8, 2019 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Cash flow is the life blood of a business. And yet, 49% of small business owners say cash flow concerns keep them up at night. This informative webinar presented by the head of marketing for Square, Ed Lin, who will help you find smart ways to manage your business’s cash flow and access capital to help it keep running smoothly. You’ll learn how to:

  • Get a better grasp of your cash flows
  • Understand your funding options
  • Evaluate business loan offers

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

Disasters Happen – How to Prepare Your Business and Recover

Presented by the SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance | May 8, 2019 | 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

It’s not a question of if, but when the next disaster will strike. Is your business prepared for the next major disaster event such as a hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake, or wildfire?This webinar, presented by Alex Contreras with the SBA, will provide tips on basic steps you should take to prepare, recover and mitigate so that your business is resilient. Participant takeaways will include:

  • How to make preparedness a priority
  • Lessons learned from recent disaster events
  • How the SBA Disaster Loan Program can help
  • Other forms of assistance for businesses
  • Mitigation saves lives, property and your investment

Register here: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-conference

]]> SBA’s Small Business Week’s “Small Business Person of the Year” | 2018 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/sba-small-business-person-of-year-2018/ Tue, 01 May 2018 17:31:03 +0000 https://smallbusiness.com/?p=31596

Rebecca Fyffe, owner and director of research of Landmark Pest Management in Schaumburg, Illinois is the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Small Business Person of the Year.

In 2001, the then 25-year-old Fyffe took over a struggling business, perhaps one of the youngest CEO of a pest control company in the country.  Since then, her company has grown from 18 to 70 full-time employees with substantial revenue growth.

“Rebecca has built an exemplary pest control firm and is so deserving of this award,” said Linda McMahon, SBA administrator.

The award is part of the SBA’s Small Business Week festivities. Rebecca was chosen from among 50 states, Puerto Rico and Washington DC winners. In addition to the national Small Business Person of the Year, three runners-up were recognized and awarded. The following list includes the runners up and all state winners.

Runners-up

First Runner-up

Douglas Tate
President  & CEO
Alpha Technologies, Inc.
Hurricane, West Virginia

Second Runner-up

Jasper Riddle
President/Winemaker
Noisy Water Winery
Ruidoso, New Mexico

Third Runner-up

Keith O’Neil Porta
Managing Member
APC Construction, LLC
Harvey, Louisiana

State Winners

Alabama

Charles Underwood II, Owner
C & R Movers, LLC
Birmingham, AL

Alaska

Lori Brewer, President
Caffe D’arte Alaska
Alaska Coffee & Restaurant Equipment
Anchorage, AK

Arizona

Dirck Theodor Schou, President and CEO
HF Coors
Tucson, AZ

Arkansas

Joe Saumweber, Co-Founder & CEO
Michael Paladino, Co-Founder & CTO
RevUnit LLC
Bentonville, AR

California

Matthew Cohen, CEO
Off the Grid Services, LLC
San Francisco, CA

Colorado

Margot Langstaff, Managing Partner & Co-Owner
Elisa Hamill, Managing Partner & Co-Owner
LifeHealth
Littleton, CO

Connecticut

April M. Lukasik, President
Bright & Early Children’s Learning Centers
North Branford, CT

Delaware

Kim Adams, President
Mountain Consulting Inc.
Dover, DE

District of Columbia

Denita R. Conway, President & CEO
PROVEN Management, LLC
Washington, DC

Florida

Michael Zaffaroni, Owner
Liberty Landscape Supply
Jacksonville, FL

Georgia

Peter Dugas, President & CFO
Tanya Barr Dugas, CEO
Technical Services Audio Visual (TSAV)
Athens, GA

Hawaii

Reginald Perry, Owner and General Manager
Barbers Point Aviation Services, LLC
Kapolei, HI

Idaho

September Myres, President & CEO
Sundance Consulting Inc.
Pocatello, ID

Illinois

Rebecca Fyffe, President
Landmark Pest Management
Schaumburg, IL

Indiana

Michele Durante Meyer, President/CEO
Creative Solutions Consulting Inc. (CSCI)
Indianapolis, IN

Iowa

Bob Simpson, President
Big River Packaging
Clinton, IA

Kansas

David Sasson, President & CEO
OverstockArt.com
Witchita, KS

Kentucky

Lesme J. Romero, Owner & Manager
Lexington Pasta/Lexington Pasta Garage
Lexington, KY

Louisiana

Keith O’Neil Porta, Managing Member
APC Construction, LLC
Harvey, LA

Maine

Beth Shissler, President & COO
Donald Oakes, CEO
Seabags, LLC
Portland, ME

Maryland

Tammy Beideman, Owner
Sweet Elizabeth Jane
Ellicott City, MD

Massachusetts

Joseph Melville, Co-Owner
Gary Melville, Co-Owner
Melville Candy Corporation
Randolph, MA

Michigan

Albert F. Zehnder, Chairman & CEO
Zehnder’s of Frankemuth Inc.
Frankenmuth, MI

Minnesota

Brenda Nolby, CEO
Jam Hops Gymnastics Factory Inc.
Ham Lake, MN

Mississippi

Barbara and Tim Alamsha, Owners
Rock U 2
Ocean Springs, MS

Missouri

Melissa A. Smith, DDS, Owner & Operator
Washington Smiles Complete Health Dentistry
Washington, MO

Montana

Charles “Skip” King, Owner
King’s ACE Hardware
Billings, MT

Nebraska

Mark Anthony Santo, President
Mark VII Enterprises Inc.
Omaha, NE

Nevada

Mehdi Zarhloul, Founder & CEO
Crazy Pita Rotisserie & Grill
Henderson, NV

New Hampshire

Mark Wentworth, President & CEO
Green View Technologies Inc.
Rollinsford, NH

New Jersey

Richard C. Spanier, President & CEO
Rudolph Research Analytical
Hackettstown, NJ

New Mexico

Jasper Riddle, President & Winemaker
Noisy Water Winery & Cellars
Ruidoso, NM

New York

Snehal (Raj) Dayanidhan Thakkar, President & CEO
FOREsight Financial Services for Good
New York, NY

North Carolina

Andrew Matroni, Founder & CEO
Queen City Catering
Charlotte, NC

North Dakota

Kari Marie Weigel, Executive Director/Owner
Sylvan Learning Center
Bismarck, ND

Ohio

David Nolan, President
Quality Control Services, LLC
Cleveland, OH

Oklahoma

Tracy Evans, CEO
Woodward Wellness Center, LLC
Woodward, OK

Oregon

Matthew Gregory Higgins, Owner
Coava Coffee Roasters Inc.
Portland, OR

Pennsylvania

William Campbell, CEO
Water Treatment Services
First Defense Operations Management
Monroeville, PA

Puerto Rico

Alexander Gómez, President
Tijuana’s Bar & Grill Corp.
San Juan, PR

Rhode Island

Kelly Mendell, President & Majority Owner
MIKEL Inc.
Middletown, RI

South Dakota

Kevin Nyberg, President/CEO
Nyberg’s Ace Hardware Inc.
Sioux Falls, SD

Tennessee

Joseph Powers, Owner
Green Cube Solutions, LLC
Blountville, TN

Texas

Von Cheyenne Washington Sr., President & CEO
Integrated Defense Applications, LLC
El Paso, TX

Utah

Paul Casper Merrill, President & CEO
Casper’s Ice Cream Inc.
Richmond, UT

Vermont

Sascha Mayer, Founder/Owner
Christine Dodson, Founder/Owner
Mamava
Burlington, VT

Virginia

David S. Kyle II, President & CEO
Trademasters Service Corporation
Lorton, VA

Washington

Danny House, Owner
Dan The Sausageman
Burien, WA

West Virginia

Douglas Tate, President & CEO
Alpha Technologies Inc.
Hurricane, WV

Wisconsin

Miles Harter, CEO
Curt Greeno, President
Dynamic Recycling
Onalaska, WI

Wyoming

Tyler Reed Miller, President
Earth Work Solutions
Gillette, WY

 

Photos: SmallBusiness.com

]]> What is Small Business Week? | 2017 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/small-business-week-sba/ Mon, 01 May 2017 11:33:57 +0000 http://smallbusiness.com/?p=26820

Every year since 1963, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) uses the first week in May to highlight the impact of small businesses on their communities and on the nation’s economy. State and local agencies that support the creation and success of small businesses also join in with events and the SBA uses the week for national and regional activities. (For more information and live streaming of the events, visit: www.sba.gov/nsbw and www.facebook.com/SBAgov. The SBA suggests using #SmallBusinessWeek as a Twitter hashtag.) Below is a listing of national events. Additionally, there will be online webinars throughout the week.

Today (Monday)

Event | National Small Business Week Awards Luncheon in Washington, DC
Time | 11:30 am – 2:00 pm ET

SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will announce the National Small Business Person of the year, SBA’s highest honor. Nominees from each state and territory will be present to see who will be named the next National Small Business Person of the Year at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. SBA will also honor individuals in the following award categories.:

  • Exporter of the Year
  • Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
  • Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
  • 8(a) Graduate of the Year
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large prime contractors who use small businesses as suppliers and contractors)
  • Services winner
  • Manufacturing winner
  • Research and Development winner

Tuesday

Event | Facebook Live with SBA Administrator Linda McMahon
Time |  10:30 am – 11:00 am ET

SBA Administrator Linda McMahon and Facebook’s VP and chief privacy officer for policy, Erin Egan, discuss how to start and grow a business.

How to participate | Join in at www.facebook.com/SBAgov

Wednesday

Event | National Small Business Week Road Tour Kicks Off in Indianapolis,
Location | Indianapolis
Time | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm ET

The National Small Business Week Road Tour makes its first stop in Indianapolis. SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will visit the town of Speedway to honor the state’s small business community.

Thursday

Event | National Small Business Week Road Tour Stops in Arlington, Tex.
Location | Arlington, Texas
Time | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm CT

The National Small Business Week Road Tour stops in Arlington, Tex. SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will meet with small business owners like Sherrill Lester, president of QMF Steel.

Friday

Event | National Small Business Week Road Tour Stops in Fresno
Location | Fresno, California
Time | 9:00 am – 10:30 am PT

The National Small Business Week Road Tour makes its final stop in California’s largest Central Valley city, Fresno. Agriculture is king in California’s Central Valley, home to more than 250 unique crops. During this event, SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will meet with Fred Ruiz, founder of Ruiz Foods and Ron Heskett, CEO of Borga Steel. Register here to attend this free event (space is limited).

 

]]> SBA National Small Business Persons of the Year & State Finalists | 2016 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/small-business-person-of-year-2016/ Sun, 01 May 2016 12:20:21 +0000 http://smallbusiness.com/?p=20467

(Updated 5.2.2015 to include winners and runners-up) As part of the annual Small Business Week, on Monday, May 2, 2016, the SBA’s National Small Business Persons of the Year were announced.

California’s Equator Coffees & Teas Owners named National Small Business Persons of the Year

Winner | Business partners Brooke McDonnell and Helen Russel, owners of Equator Coffees & Teas, headquartered in San Rafael, California, were named 2016 SBA National Small Business Persons of the Year.

First Runner-up | Angela O’Byrne, president, Perez, APC, New Orleans, Louisiana

Second Runner-up | Raymond Jardine Jr., Chairman, CEO, Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC., Honolulu, Hawaii

Third Runner-up | David Dafoe, founder and chief operations officer, Flavorman and Distilled Spirts Epicenter, Louisville, Kentucky

See also on SmallBusiness.com | Guide to Small Business Week | 2016

54 State and Territory Small Business Persons of the Year

The national small business person of the year was selected from among these state and territorial winners.

STATE,OWNER(S),OWNER(S),BUSINESS
ALABAMA,”Xiomara Hernandez Bracken, Owner”,,Bouncing Parties Inc.
ALASKA,”Connie Core-Dubay, CEO/Owner”,,Cold Spot Feeds Inc.
ARIZONA,”Paul A. Smiley, President”,,Sonoran Technology and Professional Services LLC
ARKANSAS,”Regina Renee Radke, CEO”,”Wade Stuart Radke, COO”,Galley Support Innovations
CALIFORNIA,”Helen Margaret Russell, Co-Founder/CEO”,”Brooke Jean McDonnell, Co-Founder/President”,Equator Coffees and Teas Inc.
COLORADO,”Reed Howard Silberman, Founder/CEO”,,Ink Monstr
CONNECTICUT,”Peter Newman, CEO”,Victoria Newman. Executive Director,Greenwich Education Group
DELAWARE,”Chris J. Bisaha, Co-Owner”,”Joseph A. Baker, Co-Owner”,Henlopen City Oyster House
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,”Robert C. Palmer, CEO”,,Creative Business Solutions Inc.
FLORIDA,”Sherry L. Acanfora-Ruohomaki, Owner/President”,,K9 Kampus LLC
GEORGIA,”Catherine A. Downey, CEO”,,CATMEDIA
GUAM,”David J. John, President”,,ASC Trust Corporation
HAWAII,”Raymond Jardine Jr., Chairman / CEO”,,”Native Hawaiian Veterans, LLC”
IDAHO,”Enrique F. Contreras, Owner”,”Ana M. Paz, Owner”,Conpaz Inc. dba Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant
ILLINOIS,”Dwayne Steven Jackson, President / CEO”,,”Software Tech Enterprises, Inc.”
INDIANA,”Baziel W. Vrient, President”,”Albert W. Vrient, Operations Manager”,Agdia
IOWA,”Anthony D. Halsted, Owner”,,Hoover’s Hatchery Co.
KANSAS,”Roger Lee Ward III, Owner”,”Dana Marie Ward, Owner”,Great Day Moving (Marathon Moving & Delivery LLC)
KENTUCKY,”David Allen Dafoe, Founder / CEO”,,8th St Ventures dba Flavorman Distilled Spirits | Epicenter
LOUISIANA,”Angela O’Byrne, President/Owner”,,”Perez, APC”
MAINE,”Margo Walsh, Owner”,,Maine Works LLC
MARYLAND,”Patrick Babasola Munis, CEO”,,NewWave Telecom & Technologies
MASSACHUSETTS,”Robert Jacob George, Founder”,,StratComm Inc.
MICHIGAN,”Russell Beaver, President”,,RB Construction Company
MINNESOTA,”Gloria Jean Freeman, CEO”,,Olu’s Home/Olu’s Center
MISSISSIPPI,”Mike Pornovets, Owner”,,Everything Kayak LLC
MISSOURI,”David Laurence Bailey, Founder / President”,,Baileys’ Restaurants
MONTANA,”Greg Thayer, CEO”,”Eugene Thayer, Director”,Montana Merchandising Inc dba Montana Milling Inc.
NEBRASKA,”Yolanda F. Diaz, Member / Owner”,,Little Miss Fashion LLC
NEVADA,”Bradley J. Burdsall, Owner / Operator”,,The Egg Works
NEW HAMPSHIRE,”Elie El-Chalfoun, Owner / Operator”,,Mega-X
NEW JERSEY,”Charles Olivo, Founder / Principal”,,Stonefield Engineering and Design LLC
NEW MEXICO,”Karl S. Halpert, President / CEO”,,Private Label Select Ltd. Co.
NEW YORK,”Tammy Ann Loewy, Owner”,”Wynde Kate Reese, Owner”,Green Goddess Foods LLC
NORTH CAROLINA,”Charles Ashton Creech, President”,”Thomas Howard Chappell, Vice President – Maintenance”,Plus Team NS Aviation LLC dba North State Aviation
NORTH DAKOTA,”Jon Simmers, CEO”,,Bismarck Aero Center
OHIO,”Sally Hughes, CEO”,,Caster Connection
OKLAHOMA,”Ellis “Lanny” McIntosh, Founding Principal CEO”,,The McIntosh Group
OREGON,”Jeremie Murfin, Geoff Metts, Johnpaul Simonet Owners / Members”,,5.S.G. LLC dba Five Star Guitars
PENNSYLVANIA,”Dr. Wei-Shin Lai, CEO”,,AcousticSheep LLC
PUERTO RICO,”Fernando J. Rodriguez, President”,,Prime Janitorial Service Corp.
RHODE ISLAND,”Thomas Parsons Kellogg III, President”,,Parsons Kellogg LLC
SOUTH CAROLINA,”JoAnne LaBounty, President”,,Spartanburg Meat Processing Inc.
SOUTH DAKOTA,”Janet R. Eining, Owner”,,Cellular Only Connection Inc.
TENNESSEE,”Terence Andrew Douglas, President”,,Alliant Corporation
TEXAS,”Yolanda Arriola, President and CEO”,,Southwest University at El Paso
UTAH,”Jay Benjamin Broadbent, President”,,Alpine Home Medical Equipment LLC
VERMONT,”Thomas M.L. Stearns, President”,,High Mowing Organic Seeds
VIRGIN ISLANDS,”Brianne B. Beatty, Owner”,”Ryan B. Skinner, Owner”,Flagship
VIRGINIA,”Caroline Anne Taylor, RN-President”,,Taylor Made Diagnostics Inc.
WASHINGTON,”James “Kiwi” Ferris, President”,,Edensaw Woods
WEST VIRGINIA,”Arria Hines, President & CEO”,,Allegheny Science & Technology Corp.
WISCONSIN,”Mark Matthiae, CEO”,,Crystal Finishing Systems Inc.
WYOMING,”Anthony Andrew Aguiree, President”,,Triple A Building Services

]]> Small Business Week Events You Can View & Tweet Live | 2016 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/small-business-week-video-stream/ Sun, 01 May 2016 12:18:56 +0000 http://smallbusiness.com/?p=20450

In most states and many cities and towns, local small business organizations and agencies have events planned during Small Business Week. Check in with your nearby Chambers of Commerce, SCORE Chapters, Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Women’s Business Outreach Centers and other local groups to see if they have an event planned.

The following events planned for the week by the Small Business Administration will be streamed live at www.sba.gov/nsbw and will use the Twitter hashtag #DreamSmallBiz for conversation and questions.

Sunday | May 1

Small Business Week Opening & Awards Ceremony

Time | 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm ET
Location | Smithsonian National Museum of American History, Washington DC
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | Opening of National Small Business Week 2016 and presentation of awards to outstanding local chapters, offices and organizations that SBA-supported programs serving small businesses. SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet will deliver the keynote address and the following awards will be presented:Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award

• Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award
• Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award
• Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year
• SCORE Chapter of the Year
• Jody C. Raskind Lender of the Year
• Small Business Investment Company of the Year
• Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Public Official
• Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Volunteer
• Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery

Monday | May 2

Small Business Person of the Year Awards Ceremony

Time | 8:30 am – 10:30 am ET
Location | United States Institute of Peace, Washington DC
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | National Small Business Person of the year nominees from each state and territory will be present. Awards that will be presented include:

Small Business Person of the Year
Exporter of the Year
Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
8(a) Graduate of the Year
Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence
• Services winner
• Manufacturing winner
• Research and Development winner

Cybersecurity Panel Discussion

Time | 11:00 am – Noon ET
Location | United States Institute of Peace, Washington DC
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | SBA Deputy Administrator Doug Kramer along with experts from Microsoft, ADP, and ESET discuss cyber security tips and trends.

Tuesday | May 3

Start or Grow Your Business | Live from Atlanta

Time | 10:00 am- 2:00 pm ET
Location | Georgia Tech’s Research Institute Conference Center
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | SBA Deputy Administrator Doug Kramer and small business experts share what small firms can anticipate in the future, what small business sectors will be the best performers and other business trends. Following the general session, there will be workshops in various fields

My Brother’s Keeper Millennial Entrepreneurs Initiative | Live from New York

Time | 6:00-8:30 pm ET
Location | The Apollo Theater, New York, NY
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet and Mike Muse will bring together millennials for the finale of the My Brother’s Keeper Millennial Entrepreneurs Video Series at the historic Apollo Theater in New York. This event will be the culmination of the six-video series and incorporate video clips, as well as Q&A segments with the video interviewees. Additionally, the interactive session will provide an opportunity for attendees to network with other Millennials interested in entrepreneurship.

Wednesday | May 4

Colorado Small Business Week Awards Ceremony

Time | 11:30 am-2:00 pm MT
Location | History of Colorado Center
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper honor Colorado area small business owners.

Thursday, May 5

Armchair Discussion with  Veteran Entrepreneurs

Location | Arizona Biltmore, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Time | 10:30-11:30 am PT
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | Join SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet with Eli Crane of Bottle Breacher, former Shark Tank participant and Navy Seal; Angela Cody-Rouget of Major Mom, professional organizer, and former Shark Tank participant discuss key business topics ranging including access to capital, effective marketing, business growth and more.

Friday, May 6

National Small Business Week | Live from San Jose

Location | San Jose City Hall
Time | 8:30am – 1:00pm PT
Streaming | Live stream at www.sba.gov/nsbw
Twitter conversation |  #DreamSmallBiz

Description | SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet and San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo discuss business trends and resources to help start and grow a business.

See also on SmallBusiness.com | Guide to Small Business Week | 2016

Photo: SmallBusiness.com

]]> Small Business Week Presidential Proclamation | 2016 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/small-business-week-proclamation-2016/ Sun, 01 May 2016 12:12:58 +0000 http://smallbusiness.com/?p=20446

seal-president

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, 2016

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Responsible for creating nearly two-thirds of net new jobs in the United States each year and employing more than half of all Americans, small businesses have always been a vital part of our country’s economy.  As outlets for creativity and ingenuity, small businesses do more than create jobs and foster growth — they represent the spirit that has always driven our Nation forward.  Throughout National Small Business Week, we celebrate the irreplaceable role these enterprises play in our national life by pledging to support them and equip them with the tools and resources they need to succeed.

 “Our Nation does best when we help our startups and small businesses expand into new markets and offer goods and services to more people.”

Across America, small businesses support economies, employ local residents, and contribute to the vibrancy of their communities.  My Administration is dedicated to helping these businesses and the entrepreneurs who took a chance on turning ideas into realities.  We have enacted 18 tax cuts for small businesses, and because of the Affordable Care Act, a tax credit of up to 50 percent is available for certain small businesses to help offset the cost of insurance.  And our businesses have created jobs in every month since I signed this law.

Our Nation does best when we help our startups and small businesses expand into new markets and offer goods and services to more people.  Ninety-eight percent of the American companies that export are small and medium-sized businesses, but less than 5 percent of our country’s small businesses export.  In our 21st-century economy, it is imperative that we break down the trade barriers that too often hold small businesses back from extending their reach to those abroad to sell more goods made in the United States.  Last year, we reached an agreement with 11 other nations that allows us to write the rules of our global economy and gives more of our people the fair shot at success they deserve.  The Trans-Pacific Partnership will eliminate over 18,000 taxes imposed by other countries on our goods and services and level the playing field for American workers and businesses, and I look forward to working with the Congress to implement this agreement.

“Our Nation’s small businesses play a critical role in generating economic prosperity, and the effort poured into them by ordinary citizens across our country reflects the hard work and determination inherent to who we are as a people.”

My Administration has taken action to ensure the Federal Government does its part to support our Nation’s small businesses.  During fiscal year 2015, we awarded an all-time high of more than a quarter of eligible Federal contracts to small businesses, and we made great strides in ensuring more Government contracts are given to women-owned small businesses — nearly $18 billion worth.  We have launched next-generation manufacturing hubs, and we have made more online tools available to entrepreneurs to give them the resources they need to start a business in a single day — and the Startup in a Day initiative is continuing to engage with all levels of government to streamline the process of beginning a business.

Our Nation’s small businesses play a critical role in generating economic prosperity, and the effort poured into them by ordinary citizens across our country reflects the hard work and determination inherent to who we are as a people.  This week, we renew our support for these engines of growth and recognize their incredible contributions to our country.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 1 through May 7, 2016, as National Small Business Week.  I call upon all Americans to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the competitiveness of the American economy with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-ninth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.

1280px-Barack_Obama_signature.svg

BARACK OBAMA

See also on SmallBusiness.com | Guide to Small Business Week | 2016

Photo of White House by Cezary p via Wikimedia Commons

]]> What is Small Business Week? | 2016 https://smallbusiness.com/small-business-week/whats-small-business-week-2016/ Sun, 01 May 2016 12:11:35 +0000 http://smallbusiness.com/?p=20437

(Update: For information about Small Business Week 2017, visit “What is Small Business Week | 2017“)

Small Business Week is an annual event organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration to recognize the achievements of the top small businesses in the nation. Since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week.

 

In 2016, National Small Business Week is from May 1-7 with national SBA events planned in Washington, D.C., New York, Denver, Phoenix, Oakland and San Jose, Calif.  During some of the events, the SBA presents awards to small business owners and organizations and agencies that work with the SBA in providing services and support in their programs for small businesses.

In addition to the events scheduled by the SBA, many states and location agencies and organizations use the week for conferences, events, and celebrations like “small business person of the year.”

Leading up to Small Business Week, the SBA announced 54 Small Business Persons of the Year state and territorial winners. The national Small Business Person of the Year will be announced at the awards ceremony on May 2.

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