What you need to know about National Small Business Week

Did you know it's National Small Business Week? We're bringing you the latest news and resources to consider for saving time, money and peace of mind.

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Federal Government Support

In his recent Proclamation on Small Business Week, President Biden shared that the country is in a “small business boom” and stated the government’s commitment to support small businesses as well as their access to funding. He lists several SBA funding updates to expand loans to underserved audiences and other federal government investment in local communities such as making sure every home and business has internet, to investing $10 million into state -level programs.

Read the full White House statement from President Biden and visit our other articles to learn more about additional funding opportunities for your small business, including grants and SBA loans.

Special Resources & Opportunities

SBA Virtual Summit & Celebrations

As we’ve mentioned in our newsletter, the free SBA Virtual Summit starts today and goes through May 1st. Companies like Block/Square, Visa, Google, Nerd Wallet, Amazon and more are coming together to bring free resources, knowledge and courses to support small businesses.

The SBA is also hosting several in-person events to celebrate National Small Business week such as the National Small Business Person of the year in Washington, D.C. Learn more about those celebrations and be sure to check your local Chamber of Commerce to see if they are hosting events in your area as well. You can see a list of all local state winners on the SBA site here as well!

Corporate Initiatives & Programs

Companies like Chase for Business have dedicated programs to support small businesses and often offer free resources and additional offerings during this week. Below are a few highlights from Chase for Business for this week and on-going offerings for Members.

National Small Business Week Events & Resources including workshops in major cities
On-going offerings: Courses & tools, coaching, articles and insights and even a podcast for small business owners called Unshakable - stories from small business owners who faced a crisis at one point and propelled their business forward

Spectrum is also doubling down on their small business support through community investment funds for underserved business through their Community Investment Loan Fund, which has helped finance $59 million in loans to more than 1,200 small businesses, creating or retaining over 5,000 jobs. as well as local strategic volunteer initiatives. "Pay It Forward," an initiative by Spectrum Reach – the advertising sales business of Spectrum – has helped more than 2,000 small businesses across 36 states and invested over $50 million since it began in 2021. Through the program, underserved businesses receive $15,000 worth of free advertising and creative services, which can help make or break a burgeoning small business.

Spectrum also has special small business bundles as well as free initiative called "Let's Get Started" which offers free support for new businesses like mentors and business tool kits to get your business started.

AI & SMB Growth

One of the biggest topics in the press around National Small Business Week this year, including the agenda for the SBA Virtual Summit this week, is how small businesses can use AI to leverage growth. In an economy with rising costs and inflation, efficiency and accuracy is imperative for SMB owners and operators. That’s where AI tools like Palm help can help save time, money and peace of mind by automating business finances, tracking spend and helping save money on your biggest expenses.