According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census and International Trade Administration, small businesses stimulate the economy, especially during a financial downturn, and largely contribute to our nation’s vitality. It’s no wonder they have an entire week dedicated to celebrating the leaps and bounds they have made: The SBA’s 2011 National Small Business Week, May 16-20.
Highlights of the Impact of Small Businesses Today:
- Represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms
- Employ a little more than half of all private sector employees
- Pay 44 percent of total U.S. private payroll
- Have generated 64 percent of net new jobs over the past 15 years
- Hire 40 percent of the high-tech workers, such as scientists, engineers and computer programmers
- Make up 97.3 percent of all identified exporters
- Produce 13 times more patents per employee than large patenting firms
Without a doubt, small business is the catalyst for promoting job growth and moving the economy forward. The key is for these businesses to continue to strengthen from the inside out, thereby, increasing market gain and global capacity. While critically important, however, a gap in the market remains when it comes to providing the resources, connections and expertise small business owners need to grow their company to the next level.
As an organization committed to the growth and success of women entrepreneurs, NAWBO® has launched a capacity building educational program to help women-owned businesses take their business from one stage of growth to the next.
The program is described as a “fantastic two-day event that gives clarity to where you are now, what needs to change and where you want to go,” by Dana Rambow of AristoCare Home Health Services Inc.; and “an excellent program every NAWBO® member should take,” by Deborah Shea of Hellbent Marketing. The Accelerated Growth Series® offers a flexible and customized educational platform that provides exceptional tools and knowledge that will enable growth-minded women entrepreneurs to gain a comprehensive assessment of their business, develop a long-term strategic growth plan, and track business performance—all in a setting with a community of peers who are all dedicated to each other’s success.
CLICK HERE for more information about the Accelerated Growth Series®.
Which NAWBO® program or resource do you think is most valuable in growing your business? We invite you to share your thoughts during Small Business Week and all year long, as your comments help to shape NAWBO®’s future priorities, programs and much more.