As this week draws to a close, it brings an end to another successful National Small Business Week celebration across the country. For more than 50 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.
During the week, the U.S. Small Business Administration took the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country. The head of the SBA visited a few states during the week and Utah was one of them. Christopher Pilkerton, acting head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, stopped in Utah yesterday to visit local businesses and to recognize Utah’s thriving small business culture.
In an interview with Salt Lake Tribune he said, “Utah’s business-friendly tax and regulatory policies make the state one of the best in the country for new startups. Conditions are great for small business now with firms able to invest more money, record numbers of jobs being created and unemployment at new lows.”
As the Executive Director of UAMMI, I definitely agree that Utah is one of best states in the country for small business. There is a pioneer spirit here that drives so many to find success.
As I travel the state, meeting with these companies, I am amazed at their innovation and dedication. According to the SBA, 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. Of those small businesses, I truly believe that some of the best are found right here in our in Utah.
At UAMMI, we are committed to helping Utah small businesses succeed. That’s why I am excited to announce a new SBA program that UAMMI will be a part of. The Small Business Administration recently announced that it has awarded UAMMI funding to foster small business growth within Utah’s advanced materials industry cluster. UAMMI was one of seven national organizations to receive the award from among dozens of applicants across the country and we are thrilled to have been selected. This is exciting news for us as it provides us with even more resources to help foster small business growth.
We are excited for these recent events and the recognition that Utah is a thriving small business state. At UAMMI, we are committed to doing what we can to keep this going.
Jeff Edwards
Executive Director