National Small Business Week

Article written by Eric Bank

May 4 through May 8, 2015 is designated National Small Business Week (NSBW) by the Small Business Administration. If you are one of our clients, you are a brilliant small business and deserve special mention. You work hard all year long, building your company, pushing growth upwards, balancing your books and filing your taxes -- that is, letting Small Business Financials take care of those last two chores for you!

This is the 52nd  year that, by presidential order, a week has been set aside to honor the small business entrepreneurs like yourself that make this country work. We think it's a good opportunity to step back from the daily same old same old and participate in the festivities. If you can't make it this year, you can begin planning to join in next year.

Small Business Person of the Year

One deserving individual will be singled out by the SBA as the Small Business Person of the Year. While it's too late to enter this year, how about getting a jump on 2016? Here's how it works:

1.      You first must be nominated, by a professional trade group, business organization, another entrepreneur or even yourself -- hey, no need to be modest!

2.      The nominations are sent to the SBA where they go through a multi-level review process. The winning nominees must have a good record of accomplishment, have shown the ability to withstand reversals, have increased the headcount of their organizations and have made meaningful contributions to their community.

3.      One winner is picked from each state and territory, and then a finalist group of six worthies is chosen.

4.      All six finalists attend a White House ceremony on May 8 in which the grand winner is announced.

You can bet that the grand winner will enjoy a year in the spotlight and will be sought after for advice and interviews. It's also great publicity for the winner's company, that's for sure.

Here Comes the SBA Administrator

During NSBW, the SBA Administrator crisscrosses the country to commemorate the festivities. This year, the administrator, Maria Contreras-Sweet, will pop up in:

·        Miami/Boca Raton

·        Los Angeles

·        San Antonio

·        New York

·        Washington, D.C.

Each city will hold national events and all business people are invited to attend, but you need to register in advance. For all those unable to attend in person, the SBA has arranged for each event to be live streamed -- you can tune in at www.sba.gov.

"Dream Big, Start Small"

That's the theme for the 2015 commemoration. In addition to the five national venues, the week will see many local events in which experts will impart advice on a number of important topics, such as getting an SBA loan or bidding on a government contract. Parties and networking will enliven the week, and it's a great opportunity to get your small company's name out there. Some cities will host events later in May. For example, San Francisco will hold a seminar on May 16 about doing business in that city. 

The contributions of small-business owners to the American economy can't be overestimated. Small company growth spurs employment and wealth, and many small businesses become medium- and large-sized ones over time. The NSBW is a fitting tribute to the hard work of entrepreneurs who deserve recognition for all they do. So don't be a wet blanket -- join in and enjoy, you've earned it!