Alex's Lemonade StandPaySimple knows that small businesses are the champions of our economy, and that small business owners deserve recognition all year long.  This week (June 17-21, 2013) is National Small Business Week, a time when everyone is prompted to think about the contributions small businesses make to their communities.  It is also an opportunity for small business owners to come together to celebrate their accomplishments, and to share the secrets of their successes with each other.

The annual event started in 1963 and has been going strong ever since.  The week is intended to recognize the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners who are responsible for creating two out of every three new jobs in the country each year.  It includes conference events in five cities across the U.S., a series of Google sponsored online events, and a large number of related events in cities across the country.

Official event cities this year are Seattle (June 17), Dallas (June 18), St. Louis (June 19), Pittsburgh (June 20), and Washington, D.C. (June 21.) If you live in or near one of these cities, take some time to attend an event. You will not only hear from expert speakers who can provide tips and advice, but you’ll have the chance to network with other small business owners in your area.

If you’re not close to one of the official event cities, there may still be a small business week event scheduled for your area.

Google is also sponsoring four online events that each cover a small business topic.  You can ask questions of the expert panel via Google+ and via Twitter using the hashtag #SBW2013.  The topics are listed below along with dates and times.  You can join them live from SBA.gov/nsbw.

  • Getting Started with Social Media  (June 17, 4 PM Eastern)
  • Managing Your Business’s Online Reputation (June 18, 4 PM Eastern)
  • How a Mentor Can Help Your Business (June 19, 4 PM Eastern)
  • How to Get a Loan for Your Business (June 20, 4 PM Eastern)

Whether you pick an online event, a local event, or an official conference, be sure to take advantage of some portion of National Small Business Week, so that you can share your insights and success stories with other small business owners in your community.

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Image Credit:
Alex’s Lemonade Stand by RachaelChickswithKnives, on Flickr