Posted by Katie Vlietstra-- It could be your local cupcake shop, neighborhood deli or even your friendly accountant -- all local entrepreneurs fueling not only their local economies, but our national economy as well. One of the things they all have in common is that they are part of a growing movement in America called the small business community. With every dollar you invest in a local, small business, the true entrepreneurial spirit of America continues to thrive. According to the Small Business Administration, more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
May 12th -- 16th our nation will celebrate National Small Business Week, a weeklong effort devoted to the contributions of America's small business owners. We salute them all -- from the very largest small businesses to the mom-and-pop operations to the sole proprietor. Together, small businesses continue to be the economic engine of America.
I challenge you to choose two or three local businesses to support this week. They may not be the typical operations you do business with every day, but I can guarantee your patronage will make a difference and the service they provide excellent.
The small business community faces not only on significant challenges on Main Street, but also within the Halls of Congress. The last few years for America's small businesses hasn't been rosy; in fact, they continue to face roadblocks that prevent them from growing, expanding and succeeding. These include economic uncertainty, mounting regulations, unfair taxes and unequal business requirements when it comes to being self-employed and accessing affordable health care.
The bottom-line: America's small business community continues to play on an unfair and unequal field when contrasted with their corporate counterparts.
I encourage everyone to shop local to show your support for America's small business community. Whether it's your local ice cream shop or hardware store, stand up and pledge your commitment to helping protect our nation's new budding and growing entrepreneurs. It is this American spirit that built our middle-class, and it is important that we help it continue to thrive.
Now is the time to put our money where our mouths are -- or frankly, our dollars and our policy priorities are when it comes to our small business community. Small business owners and new and existing entrepreneurs need economic growth and certainly to grow, expand and succeed. From health care to tax regulations to the perils of self-employment, we must help the small business community to flourish.
Just by supporting your favorite small business this week, you will make a big difference, because every day, America's small businesses are working to create 21st century jobs, drive innovation and increase America's global competitiveness.