|
The contributions Black business owners have made to entrepreneurship in the U.S. are indispensable. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 3 million Black-owned businesses from coast to coast, accounting for billions of dollars in annual revenue to the U.S. economy. That is a figure worth celebrating this February, Black History Month. Like many in the small business community, however, Black-owned businesses have seen their share of challenges throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. But Black entrepreneurs are resolute. In fact, in the first year of the pandemic alone, there were more new Black-owned businesses proportionate to the total population than at any time in the previous 25 years.
Learn more
Statement by Administrator Guzman Applauding Biden-Harris Administration’s Whole of Government Approach to Strengthen America’s Supply Chains
Yesterday, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman released the following statement praising newly released action plans by the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Energy, Homeland Security, Commerce and Health and Human Services to strengthen the resilience of America’s supply chains and tackle rising challenges that hamper the success of small businesses:
“Time and again, President Biden has put small businesses and entrepreneurs at the forefront of America’s economic recovery, delivering historic levels of job creation and new business applications while taking critical steps that will strengthen our small business supply chains and bring down costs for everyday Main Street.”
“The SBA is working across the Federal Government—including with our colleagues from the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Energy, Homeland Security, Commerce and Health and Human Services—to ensure our 32.5 million small businesses and startups can get the resources they need to continue to innovate and deliver the products and services we depend on and need to enhance America’s global competitiveness.”
Learn more
|
Cyber-attacks are a growing threat for small businesses and the U.S. economy.
Go to sba.gov/cybersecurity to learn about common cyber threats, understand where your business is vulnerable, and take steps to improve your cybersecurity.
SBA has also announced new funding for state governments to help emerging small businesses across America develop their cybersecurity infrastructure. As part of the Cybersecurity for Small Business Pilot Program, through the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, state governments are eligible to compete for grants that will help deliver cybersecurity assistance to nascent and start-up business owners. Applications will be accepted until March 3.
Learn more
Get Inspired: Small Business Success Story
A few years ago, Chef Logan Niles was looking for a way to earn some extra income. She took online courses and began cooking for neighbors, remaking a childhood classic, the pot pie. Niles used wholesome ingredients and recipes designed to be inclusive for all diets, including gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan. She launched Seattle-based Pot Pie Factory in 2017 and the demand for her specialty handcrafted pot pies quickly grew.
Read more
|
This week, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman visited Navajo Nation to meet inspiring small business owners who were able to pivot, recover and grow with help from SBA programs and resources. Follow the Administrator on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to see photos and videos of all her visits to small businesses across America.
Join the IRS for a series of online meetings in March (divided by location/states) for small business organizations and owners. The meetings will include:
- Presentations from IRS leadership covering the top tax issues affecting small business owners regarding income, deductions, employment taxes and recordkeeping
- How to get ready for the 2022 filing season
- Tax scams targeting small businesses
- How the IRS is reorganizing to better serve small business taxpayers
- Listening session to hear concerns, feedback and suggestions from participants
Learn more
Nearly 96% of consumers live outside the U.S., and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries. If you’re a small business owner, consider exporting your goods to increase your profits, reduce market dependence, and stabilize seasonal sales.
Learn more
Paycheck Protection Program borrowers: If your loan is $150,000 or less, you may be eligible to apply for direct forgiveness through SBA using our online portal. Follow the steps below.
-
Find out if your lender is participating.
- Watch a video about how to use the portal.
-
Apply for forgiveness.
For additional information, visit the SBA website.
Thanks to vaccines, small businesses across America have opened back up. Keep the momentum going by getting vaccinated. Find a vaccine provider near you.
Learn more
|
