For any small business owner, every week is small business week, but this week, it’s official for everyone to recognize.
The first National Small Business Week was held in 1963 under the order of President John F. Kennedy, and has since become an annual event. This year marks it’s 50th anniversary. Many things have changed since the first Small Business Week, but one thing that definitely hasn’t changed, is America’s entrepreneurial spirit. Small businesses continue to play an important role in our economy and communities.
Following in President Kennedy’s footsteps, Obama has continue the America tradition to honor the drive and success of small business owners, by declaring June 17-21 to be this year’s National Small Business Week. Small businesses are critical to growing our economy, so this year, the SBA (Small Business Administration) is hosting event across the nation to provide small business owners with more tools, tips and resources to help them be even more successful.
There will be workshops, hands-on assistance, matchmaking and mentoring for small business owners in the following cities:
- June 17 – Seattle, Washington
- June 18 – Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas
- June 19 – St. Louis, Missouri
- June 20 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- June 21 - Washington, D.C.
If you don’t live in any of the cities listed, you can attend the events via live stream at www.sba.gov/smallbusinessweek.
The final event held in Washington, D.C. will honoring outstanding entrepreneurs from every stats and will announce the 2013 National Small Business Person of the Year. The winners will be representing a very diverse group of small businesses, ranging from health care providers, organic vegetable farms, helicopter pilot training schools to technological start-ups.
Americans have always, and will continue to pursue the dream of owning and running their own small business. It’s so great that during National Small Business Week everyone has a chance to recognize the critical role of small business to our economy and nation.
