National Small Business Week has celebrated the spirit of entrepreneurship since 1963.
Each year since then, the president of the United States offers a proclamation. This year, President Donald Trump issued his proclamation on May 3.
“For 250 years, American small businesses have been the foundation of our national strength and empowered our citizens to achieve the American Dream,” Trump's proclamation said. “This National Small Business Week, we honor the entrepreneurs, innovators and dreamers, whose pioneering spirit invigorates our culture, powers our economy, and lifts our communities to new heights.”
More than half of those who live in America either own or are employed by a small business, which creates about two of every three jobs each year, according to America's SBDC.
The U.S. Small Business Administration leads events during the week “designed to open doors, inspire and invigorate Hoosier entrepreneurs.”
“Small business is the backbone of the American economy,” said SBA Indiana District Director Stacey Poynter in a press release. “They make up 99.4 % of the companies located in our state, support our local communities and employ almost half of Indiana’s workforce.”
The week includes a virtual summit May 5 and 6. It will feature presentations by experts in their industries, exhibits, business resources and advice. The summit is free to attend by registering here.
On May 8, the SBA will honor Indiana entrepreneurs during the joint National Small Business Week & IEDC Impact Awards Luncheon in Indianapolis.
“This year’s National Small Business Week honorees represent the innovation and determination that define Indiana,” said Acting Great Lakes Regional Administrator Brad Zaun. “They are building businesses that create jobs, strengthen local economies and open new doors of opportunity.”
Honorees include:
- SBA Great Lakes Rural Small Business of the Year – K&K Dirtworks, Evanston
- SBA Great Lakes Region SBDC Excellence & Innovation Center Award – Central Indiana Small Business Development Center, Indianapolis
- SBA Indiana Manufacturer of the Year – Olson Custom Designs, Indianapolis
- SBA Indiana Exporter of the Year – AutoRenu, New Albany
- SBA Indiana Women’s Business Center of Excellence – Central Indiana Women’s Business Center, Indianapolis
“At the SBA we’re proud to provide crucial access to the funding and resources entrepreneurs need to grow,” Zaun said. “Truthfully, every week is small business week, and during National Small Business Week, we like to turn up the spotlight on entrepreneurial opportunities and achievements.”
Other regional celebrations of National Small Business Week include Centier Bank's support of the Freedom Recovery Fund. The partnership with Project Neighbors will focus on “closing the racial wealth gap in Porter County. The bank's $10,000 donation will support the Emerging Entrepreneur Grant Program.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” said Lisa Misch, vice president, SBA relationship specialist. “We’re proud to partner with Project Neighbors to invest in entrepreneurs, which help to build stronger, more equitable local economies across Indiana.”
So far two business owners are receiving funds: Seifu Zerihun, founder of Kaytics, and Aman Wolde, founder of Bereket Technologies.
AT&T also is looking for submissions to its small business contest, which will award one small business $50,000.
“As we celebrate National Small Business Week, AT&T remains focused on being a trusted partner to small businesses year‑round — helping them harness the power of connection to grow and succeed,” said Shelley Goodman, SVP, mid‑markets sales at AT&T Business, in a press release.
