Pennsylvania Small Business Week

Governor Josh Shapiro has proclaimed April 28 through May 4, 2024, as Pennsylvania Small Business Week, aligning with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week.

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated Opens in new windowNational Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

National Small Business Week is when SBA officially recognizes their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy.

Small Business, Big Impact.

• The driving force behind Pennsylvania’s economy is the innovation, passion, and hard work of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
• Small businesses power Pennsylvania’s economy, with over 1 million of them providing jobs for 2.6 million people.
• 13,661 Pennsylvania small businesses sold goods worth $12.6 billion internationally in 2021.
• Small businesses are great for local economies too. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend that $100 at a big store, only $14 stays local.
• Small businesses aren’t just about money; they also make our communities special, giving each main street, downtown, and neighborhood a unique feel and identity.
• Shopping at local businesses supports our friends and neighbors, brings us joy, and makes the places we live and work more resilient and vibrant.
• Support local businesses during Small Business Week by shopping, leaving good reviews, and sharing your favorites on social media with #PASmallBiz24 and #SmallBusinessWeek

Economic Opportunity for All.

• Everyone deserves a shot at economic opportunity – no matter what you look like or where you come from.
• Small business owners in Pennsylvania come from many different backgrounds, including various races, ages, genders, backgrounds, and veteran statuses. This week, we’re celebrating our diversity.
• In Pennsylvania, 39.8% of small business owners are women, while 13.2% are from minority backgrounds. 5.1% are Hispanic, and 5.9% are veterans.
• We are committed to making sure there’s opportunity for all to participate in our economy and build generational wealth.

Small Business Support & Resources.

• When our small businesses thrive, so do our communities. And that’s why we’re making smart investments to help our startups grow, support the dreams of our entrepreneurs and investors, and give them the resources they need to go after the next big discovery.
• Pennsylvania offers technical and financial assistance to small businesses through DCED and our partner networks across the Commonwealth. Share information about small business resources during Small Business Week using #PASmallBiz24 on social media.
• The PA Business One-Stop Shop is the first point of contact for business development in Pennsylvania. The One-Stop Shop team assists businesses at every stage, from planning and startup to operation and expansion.
  • Comprehensive Support: Provides tailored resources and assistance for businesses of all types, including minority-owned, LGBT+-owned, women-owned, disability-owned, and veteran-owned enterprises. From registering your business to mastering eCommerce, we’ve got you covered with training and best practices.
  • Personalized Guidance: The One-Stop Shop team connects entrepreneurs with specific opportunities and partner networks for personalized counseling, training, and business assistance.
  • Extensive Partner Network: Through the PA Business One-Stop Shop, small businesses gain access to Pennsylvania’s vast partner network. This includes organizations like the PA Small Business Development Centers, local and regional economic development groups, the Ben Franklin Technology Partners, the Life Sciences Greenhouses, and many others. These partners offer hands-on support to help small and early-stage businesses thrive.
• Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your business to the next level, Pennsylvania is committed to helping you succeed.

National Small Business Week Virtual Summit (April 30 – May 1)

As part of the National Small Business Week (NSBW), the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE will cohost the NSBW Virtual Summit that includes a variety of educational webinars, exhibit booths, free business resources, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms and expert business advice from SCORE mentors.

The 2-day event is free to attend, but registration is required. Register to save your seat on the U.S. Small Business Administration website.

For additional resources and information:
- PA Small Business Week - PA Business One-Stop Shop - PA Small Business Week
- Small Business Administration (SBA) - National Small Business Week | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)