A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

BBB Trends: Dreaming of starting your own business? National Small Business Week coming up


By Sandra Guile
Better Business Bureau

A dream starts out as just that – a dream, a doodle on a napkin, a far-fetched idea with intangible edges. Then, details of those dreams become clearer and clearer, with practical steps hashed out over a cup of coffee. Concepts are built in basements and garages, backyard sheds and barn floors. A spark is ignited into a passion so strong it drives a person out of bed in the morning before the alarm goes off. That’s how a dream is turned into a reality, and it’s how many small businesses get started.

Small businesses create two out of three new jobs in the United States each year, according to the Small Business Administration. Since 1963, the President has proclaimed one week, National Small Business Week, highlight the impact of entrepreneurs and small business owners who are on the cutting edge technology and who let their passion drive them. They foster American competitiveness and collectively boost the growing the economy.

Industry experts say this is an exciting time to start, work for, or own a small business. In fact, there are more than 28 million small businesses in America, thanks to an abundance of information and assets for entrepreneurs to take advantage of. There are several resources available to help turn a dream from a doodle on a napkin into an actual brick and mortar store or an online establishment.

Groups like the Small Business Association, the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), Ohio Small Business Development Centers, the City of Cincinnati Economic Development, or the Ohio One Stop Business Permit Center are easily accessible, and aid both new and established business owners in doing their best.

BBB also works to foster small businesses in the marketplace. By partnering with them, helping them grow, and expanding their network, BBB helps them become leaders in their local communities. Local events and resources are available to empower small businesses and their employees. Learn more about the programs on bbb.org under News & Events.

So, if you have an idea for a business just waiting for a spark, let your passion drive you. Reach out, ask questions. Take part in the next Small Business Week. As a customer, support a local small business. Stop in, shop, and say thank you because they worked hard to be where they are today. And, if they’re BBB Accredited, they’ve certainly earned it.

Next week is National Small Business Week. BBB is hosting and partnering with other organizations to celebrate and educate.

Tuesday, May 2 – Small Business Resource Event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More information is available here.

Wednesday, May 3 – Cybersecurity is a critical issue for businesses to discuss before it happens. Learn what to do and the steps to have a plan in place. Register here.

Friday, May 5 – Findlay Kitchen is Cooking Up Small Businesses: Come Taste the Kitchen. It takes a dynamic network to foster small business dreams. Let Findlay Kitchen, the City of Cincinnati, BBB and the Small Business Administration be the ingredients to your success. Reserve your spot 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 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.


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