National Small Business Week runs from May 5 through May 11, and is both a celebration and acknowledgement of the crucial role small businesses play as the backbone of the American economy. In Olmsted County--if you exclude Mayo Clinic-- 1 in 3 people work for a small business. Additionally, these businesses--numbering roughly 3,800--pay more than $1.6 billion per year in compensation to their employees.

Evidently, small business represents a significant sector of the greater Rochester area economy and the Chamber is committed to helping these organizations and entrepreneurs succeed, continue to drive innovation, and provide quality jobs. 

RESOURCES
 

U.S. Small Business Week

From the Small Business week web-page: "For more than 50 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners." Leverage the following resources to expand your small business and capitalize on this national week of recognition and celebration.

Make the Most of Small Business Week

Celebrate Small Business Week

Small Business Week

• Small Business Week Events
• Small Business Week Virtual Conference
• Small Business Week Archive

Chamber Training & Resources Calendar

The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving small business and enabling their growth and success. Recently, as part of its SHOP LOCAL FIRST Small Business Success Center, the Chamber has started aggregating small business trainings, events, and resources currently offered in the community. Check out pages 10 & 11 of the most recent Chamber Advantage Magazine for more information.

April Chamber Advantage Magazine

U.S. Small Business Administration

This independent agency of the federal government is tasked with helping Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Additionally, this organization has delivered millions of loans, contracts, counseling sessions and other support mechanisms to small businesses in the 50+ years of its existence. Check out this site for a comprehensive list of business guides, key federal funding programs, and information about local assistance.

www.sba.gov

Small Business Development Center

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers free consulting services to new and growing businesses in Southeast Minnesota. Speak to their experts for help "identifying, understanding and overcoming the challenges of starting a business, running a successful business, and developing exit strategies." They also help facilitate the documentation process for small business loans and work with both business owners and lenders to help expedite the transaction. The Rochester Chamber is proud to now host a satellite office of the SBDC in downtown Rochester! 

www.rochestersbdc.com