As National Small Business Week approaches, it’s important to highlight the significant role that small businesses play in Wisconsin’s economy. Small businesses create jobs, contribute to the tax base, and drive innovation and economic growth in our communities.

There are more than 445,000 small businesses in Wisconsin, which employ 1.2 million people.

Small businesses account for 99.4% of all businesses in the state.

Here are 5 ways to celebrate our small businesses this week and throughout the year:

1. Shop local: Make an effort to support small businesses in your community by shopping locally. Buy from local stores, eat at local restaurants, and use local services whenever possible.
2. Share on social media: Use social media to highlight small businesses in your area. Share photos and positive reviews of your favorite small businesses to help promote them to your followers.
3. Write a review: Leave a positive review for a small business on Yelp, Google, or another review site. Positive reviews can help small businesses attract more customers.
4. Say thank you: Take the time to say thank you to the small businesses in your community. Let them know that you appreciate their hard work and the contributions they make to your community.
5. Buy gift cards: Purchase gift cards from local small businesses to give as gifts or use for yourself later on.

The U.S. Small Business Administration, state and local small business resource providers all host events and highlight resources to help our small business community. For example:

• The SBA is hosting a virtual summit May 2-3, which will include educational presentations by experts, an exhibit hall, networking, and a mentoring lounge. The event is free to attend for both established and aspiring business owners. View details & register here>>
• Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. (WEDC) is hosting the Small Business Academy in partnership with the Lt. Governor. It takes place May 2-5, with virtual sessions Tuesday-Thursday and in-person events throughout the state on Friday May 5. Topics include funding, scaling strategies, workforce retention, cash flow, storytelling and more. View details & register here>>
• UEDA Member SBA Wisconsin’s website lists local resources and upcoming learning opportunities throughout the year: www.sba.gov/district/wisconsin

Thank you to our small business members:

Bright Horizons Real Estate Center of Care LLC Center for Public Skills Training Columbia Savings & Loan Association Community Charge PGH Community Development Management Partnerships Community Insurance Information Center Contexture

Diverse Dining GoodFlow Enterprises Goyke & Associates HomeWorks Bronzeville Jobs That Help Lloyd Consulting, Inc. Midwest Executive Realty P3 Development Group

 

And thank you to these UEDA members who provide resources & services to our small business community!

AARP Wisconsin Burleigh Street CDC City of Milwaukee DCD Gateway to Milwaukee Greater Milwaukee Committee Groundwork Milwaukee Guest House of Milwaukee Harbor District Historic King Drive BID Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce Latino Chamber of Commerce of SE WI LISC Milwaukee Menomonee Valley Partners

Milwaukee Development Corp. Milwaukee Economic Development Corp. (MEDC) Milwaukee Public Library PRISM Economic Development Corp. Riverworks Development Corp. SBA Wisconsin The Business Council VIA CDC WHEDA WI Dept. of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection WI LGBT Chamber of Commerce WI Veterans Chamber of Commerce WWBIC YWCA Southeast Wisconsin