Small Business News

Small Business News will be a regularly updated feature on the National Business Association website. We will cover a variety of topics that impact small businesses including issues at the federal, state, and local levels. We will also encourage you to use your voice and share your views with policy makers on those issues that impact your business or family.

We hope you will visit the Small Business News page regularly as we expect frequent updates to the content.

National Small Business Week 2023 May 1-7, 2023

The National Business Association was a regular sponsor and patron of the SBA’s National Small Business Week activities through the late 1980’s, 90’s and 2000’s. We are pleased to bring you information regarding Small Business Week 2023.

We encourage you to attend the “Virtual Summit” hosted by the SBA and SCORE May 2 – May 3, 2023. The Virtual Summit is free and offers opportunities to learn new business strategies, meet other business owners and chat with industry experts! The 2-day, action-packed event will include educational sessions, online business resources, and expert speakers.

https://vevents.virtualtradeshowhosting.com/event/NSBWVirtualSummit/register?mcc=SBA

Background
National Small Business Week is an annual celebration of the contributions made by small businesses to the economy of the United States. This week-long event is designed to recognize the vital role that small businesses play in creating jobs and driving economic growth. National Small Business Week 2023 is set to take place from May 1-7, and it promises to be an exciting and informative event that will offer entrepreneurs and small business owners a wealth of resources and opportunities to help them succeed.

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is the organization responsible for organizing and promoting National Small Business Week. The SBA has been serving the needs of small businesses for over 65 years, providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. National Small Business Week is just one of the many ways that the SBA helps small businesses succeed.

During National Small Business Week 2023, a variety of events and activities will take place that are designed to help small business owners learn new skills, connect with other entrepreneurs, and access valuable resources. One of the highlights of the week is the National Small Business Awards ceremony, which recognizes outstanding small businesses from across the country in a variety of categories.

For more information regarding National Small Business Week 2023 follow the links below.

https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/awards

Small Business News:  4/3/23.

There are many challenges and issues facing Congress.  Focusing on those that impact the self-employed, entrepreneurs and small business owners leads us to point out HR 1, the Lower Energy Costs Act. Energy costs have a significant impact on the success or failure of a small business. Utility costs, delivery costs, supply chain, travel, and commuting costs for employees are all impacted.  Learn more about HR 1, the Lower Energy Cost Act here.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/1

https://sbecouncil.org/2023/03/29/letter-to-u-s-house-on-h-r-1-strength-of-small-business-depends-on-affordable-energy/

HR 1 has passed the House and now moves on to the Senate.  Please consider contacting your Senator’s office and voice your opinion for or against this important legislation. You can find contact information for your US Senator or Representative here:  https://www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member

NBA Small Business News: Background

Small Business News is an ongoing feature within the National Business Association website.  The goal of Small Business News is to provide current information regarding important issues or changes in law, policy, or rules at the federal, state, and local level.  We intend to provide this information without bias.

Of course, we cannot possibly keep up with every issue in every state, county, or municipality, not even every issue at the Federal level.  We encourage you to engage with your local community, state and at the federal level by subscribing to relevant newsletters, email distribution lists or reports provided by your elected representatives, your City Council (or other similar governing body), or your Chamber of Commerce.  We encourage you to follow them on Twitter or the social media platform that you prefer.  The point is to be aware of what is happening that might impact your business or your family.  When an issue is important to you or impacts you negatively, engage, send an email, make a phone call, attend a meeting, or write your elected representative and share your views.  A Democracy works best when everyone participates and communicates.

Here are a few examples of organizations, email newsletters and social media accounts that you might consider following.  Your state and local governments likely offer similar opportunities, and we encourage you to follow up and check them out.

The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council:  sbecouncil.org, Twitter @sbecouncil

Small Business Roundtable: smallbusinessroundtable.org, @SmBizRoundtable

The Small Business Majority: smallbusinessmajority.org, Twitter @ SmlBizMajority

U.S. Chamber of Commerce: uschamber.com, Twitter @USChamber

U.S. Black Chamber of commerce: usblackchambers.org, Twitter @usblackchambers

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:  ushcc.com, Twitter @ushcc

U.S. House Small Business Committee: smallbusiness.house.gov, Twitter @housesmallbiz

U.S. Senate Small Business Committee:  sbc.senate.gov, Twitter @SmallBizCmteGOP

The 118th United States Congress convened on January 3, 2023. Many believe that “gridlock” will be a common word used when describing the 118th Congress with Democrats controlling the Executive Branch and the Senate and Republicans controlling the House. Clearly, compromise will be necessary to move solutions to many pressing challenges and problems through to a resolution.

We will watch carefully as the 118th Congress convenes and hope to keep you informed on the most critical issues facing self-employed individuals, small business owners and entrepreneurs. We also try to highlight a few state or local issues and encourage you to be a voice for your business at those levels.

President Biden has delivered his second State of the Union address to Congress and the Nation. In his speech the President congratulated the Vice President for her work making capital more accessible to small business owners. He also suggested that starting a small business was an act of hope. We agree, starting a business is an act of hope that takes guts and bravery. Small business owners are risk takers like the early pioneers and settlers. Small business owners create jobs, communities, economic empowerment, and wealth for themselves and others. They are the backbone of the American economy and of the communities in which we live.