By Sandra Guile
Better Business Bureau
Sometimes a dream is just that — a dream, like a doodle on a napkin. Next, ideas are hashed out over a cup of coffee. Concepts are built in a basement or garage which slowly spark an idea. The spark is ignited into a passion so strong that it drives a person out of bed in the morning before the alarm goes off.
Millions of Americans own or work for a small business with a similar passion. These businesses create two out of three new jobs in the United States each year, according to the Small Business Administration. Since 1963, National Small Business Week highlights the impact of entrepreneurs and small business owners who are on the cutting edge technology. They are the drivers of American competitiveness and the collective boost in growing the economy.
Industry experts say this is an exciting time to be a small business owner or even contemplate starting a business. Several resources are available to take a dream from a doodle on a napkin to opening a brick and mortar establishment or have an online presence. Groups like the Small Business Association, Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) or Ohio One Stop Business Permit Center and Kentucky One Stop are just a few resources to mention.
It should be noted, BBB has contributed to the foundation of small businesses since 1912 by setting the standards for business ethics, building trust between buyers and sellers. Without this trust, businesses couldn’t do what they do to be successful. BBB partners with businesses, helping them grow, expand their network and become leaders in the community where they are located. Workshops, webinars, and local events are available to empower small businesses and their employees. Learn more about them on bbb.org.
So, if there’s an idea just waiting to spark into a passion that could lead to a business, stop doodling. Reach out, ask questions. Be a part of the next Small Business Week. Support a local small business. Stop in, shop, and say thanks because they worked hard to be where they are today. And, if they’re BBB Accredited, they’ve certainly earned it.
Join BBB Wednesday, May 11 for a special In Pursuit of Ethics for Insurance Agents. This is a three-hour CEU credit course for insurance agents who are also licensed in Ohio and need Ethics credit. The cost is $45 and the class, hosted by the Center for Ethics at BBB, is at 1 E. 4th St. Cincinnati, Ohio. Learn more here.
Sandra Guile is the Community Outreach Specialist for BBB. She promotes BBB’s message of marketplace ethics through public speaking engagements, presentations, media relations, press releases, web content, and other written materials.
Tune in Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. with Scott Sloan on 700WLW for The Scam of the Week and every third Thursday with Brian Thomas on 55KRC. Contact Sandra at (513) 639-9126 or sguile@cincinnati.bbb.org. Your BBB is located at 1 East 4th Street Suite 600 Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 – to reach the office, call (513) 421-3015.
