America’s SBDC is excited to announce that the Charleston Small Business Development Center in South Carolina and three SBDC clients from around the country were acknowledged and awarded at this year’s National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week honors America’s 28 million small businesses and their entrepreneurial, innovative and resilient spirit that serves as the backbone of the American economy.

In making the announcement, SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet said: “It is my distinct pleasure and honor to announce the 54 winners from across the U.S. and her territories.  These small business owners represent the best of the best and showcase daily their entrepreneurial spirit and what it takes to be successful in today’s evolving and competitive business environment.”

“Small Business Development Centers don’t just help entrepreneurs and growing businesses — they help create success, they help people realize their dreams. SBDC impact can be seen in the number of businesses starting and growing and creating jobs all across America. National recognition of our clients’ success is just the icing on the cake. At America’s SBDC we are proud to represent a national network that does such great work, and especially proud of all the winners and finalists,” said Charles “Tee” Rowe, America’s SBDC President & CEO.

The national SBDC winner and national SBDC client winners & finalists listed below were invited to a recognition ceremony at the Smithsonian and the Institute of Peace on May 1^st & 2^nd. (more…)

National Small Business Week Celebrates the American Entrepreneurial Spirit
By Maria Contreras-Sweet

What creates two out of three net new American jobs; produces close to half of our nation’s goods and services (nonfarm private GDP); and can be found, coast to coast, in every small town, big city and rural enclave? (more…)

Today is the start of National Small Business Week, an annual occasion created by the President and brought to life by the Small Business Administration. This year, Google is teaming up with communities across the country to celebrate and help local businesses succeed.

In honor of National Small Business Week, we’re sharing five lessons that small businesses can use to achieve success online:

1. Get Found Online

When customers search for you on Google Search or Maps, they rely on accurate business listing information such as your store hours, location, and website. In less than 10 minutes, you can get set up with a free Google listing to ensure your business information is available and up to date.

2. Build a Free Website

Your business website is your front door to the web. Google is offering resources so you can create a custom domain name and develop a simple website for your business – all at no charge for the first year.  Just choose a design and customize it for your business.  (more…)

Download the Small Business Week Proclamation as a PDF file

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Every year since 1963, 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. 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. Set as the first week in May, National Small Business Week includes events across the country and educational webinars on a variety of business topics.

National Small Business Week consists of multiple in-person events across the country, beginning Sunday, May 1st. More information is available at www.sba.gov/nsbw/events, or for SBDC events in your neighborhood, find your local SBDC now. (more…)