Tempe, AZ – America’s SBDC Arizona Network (AZSBDC) kicked-off National Small Business Week (May 5 – 11) by hosting a small business roundtable with U.S. Rep. David Schweikert on Monday.
The roundtable provided an opportunity for Rep. Schweikert to meet with business owners and AZSBDC team members to discuss the successes and challenges faced by small businesses in Arizona.
“America’s SBDC Arizona works with small business owners throughout Arizona to help them start stronger and grow faster,” AZSBDC State Director Janice Washington said. “National Small Business Week puts the spotlight on the significant economic impact that small businesses create in their communities and across our state.”
Rep. Schweikert toured the SBDC offices at Gateway Community College and met with Director Washington and SBDC staff. The AZSBDC has helped launch, grow and sustain small businesses in Arizona since 1988. It is part of the national America’s SBDC association, which represents more than 1,000 SBDC Centers across the U.S.
“Small Business Development Centers help create success by helping people realize their dreams,” noted America’s SBDC President & CEO Charles ‘Tee’ Rowe. “SBDC impact can be seen in new business starts, sales growth and job creation across America.”
In 2018 alone, America’s SBDC Arizona counseled or trained 5,604 individuals, helped its clients start 333 new businesses, create or retain 1,350 jobs and increase their collective sales by more than $58 million. SBDC counselors also facilitated more than $50 million in capital formation for new and expanding businesses.
About Small Business Week – Since 1963, a presidential proclamation annually announces National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners across America. More than half of Americans own or work for a small business. Small businesses create nearly two-thirds of the new jobs in the U.S. each year. Learn more about National Small Business Week here.
About the AZSBDC: America’s SBDC Arizona Network is an innovative partnership that includes 10 community college districts across Arizona, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Defense. The AZSBDC has 10 SBDC Centers in Arizona, and additional satellite locations. The Arizona Procurement Technical Assistance Center (AZPTAC) is a partner program of the AZSBDC. Learn more at www.azsbdc.net
