Success Stories

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…)

Success Story: Montana

JE Engineering experienced growth that led owners Cindi and Richard Jarvis to consider expanding. Before making this decision, however, Cindi wanted to be certain the expansion was warranted by the company’s financial performance. She turned to the Kalispell Regional SBDC to start her business planning through Profit Mastery. This is the third in a series of videos by the Montana SBDCs, showcasing businesses that worked with their local SBDCs to jumpstart business success!

Success Story: Vermont

Steven Davis of Vermont High Performance Manufactured Housing in Wilder is no stranger to the construction business. He has been building homes for more than 30 years, most recently providing affordable net-zero green home construction services to Vermont homeowners and beyond.

But when he recently decided to purchase a permanent home for his own business, he knew it was time to seek some assistance. Davis was seeking funds to purchase a building to house his home manufacturing business. Once he found a location, seeking funds to purchase that location proved challenging, he said.

Davis quickly sought assistance from the Green Mountain Economic Development Corporation (GMEDC). GMEDC recommended Davis contact Vermont Small Business Development Center Area Advisor Ross Hart, who shepherded him through the sometimes tedious process of a business property purchase. “Working with Ross [Hart] was great because he was not intimidating,” Davis said. “He helped me understand where I was in my business and what was needed to move forward,” he said.  (more…)