Celebrating Small Business Week 2023

It’s National Small Business Week, which is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate and recognize the essential role that small businesses play in building a strong and resilient economy.

Did you know that over half of the working population in the United States either owns or works for a small business, according to the Small Business Administration(SBA)? Small businesses also create two out of every three new jobs every year, contributing significantly to the country’s overall economic health.

We must also acknowledge the tremendous challenges small businesses have faced in the last fews years. Navigating through a pandemic has been a challenging task, but small business owners have persevered to support their communities. Despite their size and revenue, small businesses are resilient because they are run by passionate and determined owners who strive to turn their dreams into reality.

The SBA defines a small business as having less than 500 employees, but what truly defines a small business is the spirit and dedication of its employees. Small business owners take risks and bet on themselves every day to achieve their goals. They wake up each morning, ready to put in the work to make their business thrive and contribute meaningfully to their local community.

Small Business Week has been recognized by the President of the United States for over 60 years, beginning with President John F. Kennedy. Since then, the SBA has worked to help small businesses to flourish in their communities, making it their mission to encourage and assist both new and experienced small business owners It’s a time when we can come together to show our appreciation for small businesses and their contributions to our communities.

Are you a current or prospective small business owner? Consider checking out the below resources to help you on your journey, courtesy of the United States Census Bureau:

• This Census website provides a one-stop shop of helpful resources for small business owners to highlight their importance to the local community.
• This Census Business Builder can help you examine local competition and determine the best place to launch your new business.
• This Small Business Census Website can help you identify your customer’s needs so you can provide more comprehensive products and services.

The best way to help support small businesses is by shopping locally. So, stop in, say hi, and get to know the employees. You’ll be surprised to see how much you can contribute to their success. From bakeries to tailors, there is a small business in your area that is ready and willing to cater to your needs! Let’s celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and support small businesses in any way we can.

If you have questions about small businesses, click here to visit the SBA page on the First Bank website today!