National Small Business Week 2010

Celebrate National Small Business Week. With an estimated 27.2 million small businesses in the United States, small businesses are responsible for creating 60-80% of all new jobs each year. "Going Local Does Not Mean Walling Off The Outside World" by Michael H. Shuman says nuturing locally owned businesses means more of your dollars stay in your community. A diagram shows that of every $100.00 spent in local small businesses only $27.00 will leave the community versus $57.00. For more about Local First. The 3/50 project also is about keeping local businesses alive and flourishing. They ask "What three independently owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.L If half the employed population spent $50.00 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue." Check out their website 3/50 Project Local small businesses hire from within the community because these people are locals they provide more customer service and are great ambassadors for the business and community. Small businesses also give back to that community through support of schools and local non-profits. Small businesses purchase from other small businesses in the area and create the distinct one of a kind shops that are unique to the community. Remember Five Star Plumbing in Highland is a wholly owned local small business, even with a nationally known name linked to theirs. Check out our online directory of members and get to know your local businesses. They are involved in community events like Women's Enrichment Day and Sparks in the Park.

Small Business Week has been recognized since 1963 and on May 20, 2010, President Obama signed a proclamation for the observance of the 47th Small Business Week. To learn more about Small Business Week click on this link National Small Businesses This year women business owners have been recognized as small business persons of the year in 24 states, unfortunately Michigan was not one of those states. Let's change that! What local business women could you recognize for making a difference in your life and community? National Business Women's Week is officially celebrated the third full week in October each year. To find out more about the Business & Professional Women Foundation check out this link Women in Business