National Small Business Week is a special time of the year that recognizes the true economic powerhouses of our communities: small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind them. While calendars may omit the celebration from May 4 to 10 this year, it’s a special time to celebrate the innovators, risktakers, and job creators who pour their heart and soul into starting, growing, and expanding their businesses. We celebrate not only their resiliency and contribution to our local, regional, and national economies, but we also recognize these individuals as the cornerstone of our local communities; they foster innovation, create opportunities, and enrich the fabric of our nation.
In President Trump’s first 100 days in office this term, the nonpartisan, nonprofit member-driven National Federation of Independent Businesses reports that small business optimism has topped the 51-year average every month since December 2024. Small businesses are creating two out of every three net new private sector jobs and our nation’s 34 million small businesses now account for an astonishing 44% of U.S. economic activity.
Across the Atlantic Region, the entrepreneurial spirit of Americans thrive regardless of their political affiliation. From bustling urban centers to charming rural towns, our Main Streets are filled with innovators, manufacturers, service providers, and retailers who are the backbone of our local economies and the heart of our communities. This week, and every week, let us celebrate their hard work, dedication, and the vital role they play in making our states and our nation stronger and more vibrant. These businesses are integral to local economies, provide vital employment and are at the forefront of leadership and engagement within our communities.
As the White House-appointed Regional Administrator for the SBA’s Atlantic Region, it’s my pleasure to recognize and thank incredible small business people, Chambers of Commerce, entrepreneurs, resource partners, and community stakeholders who tirelessly support and champion the success of small businesses of every industry; vital engines of our economy.
While we recognize these outstanding individuals and companies, it’s also important to remember that every small business owner who takes a risk, creates a job and serves their community is a champion in their own right. It takes dedication, perseverance and vision to start, run and grow a business... and our communities and country are better for it! The SBA is the federal agency dedicated to providing the resources and support necessary for small businesses to launch, grow and succeed. We facilitate access to capital via SBA-backed loans, offer learning platforms and mentoring to entrepreneurs, provide training for accessing contracting opportunities and help businesses with disaster recovery and resilience.
The SBA is here to help harness that power, turning your dream into a reality. President Trump and his administration stand alongside America’s small businesses and are implementing programs to clear the way for their success. In addition to a strong emphasis on regulatory reform and cutting red tape, Administrator Kelly Loeffler and I are ensuring the SBA fires on all cylinders to better deliver services to small businesses. We’re refocusing our capital access programs to reach all Americans because a rising tide lifts all boats. Our Made in America Manufacturing Initiative is supporting small manufacturers throughout our nation to rebuild our supply chain and enhance national security. SBA funded resource partners are mentoring small business owners one-on-one to create solid business plans, seek funding, and even expand.
Together, we champion the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our local economies and strengthens our nation. Congratulations again to those being recognized by the SBA as National Small Business Week winners and thank you to our hardworking and industrious entrepreneurs working to make our communities better every day.
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About SBA Regional Administrator Matt Coleman
Matt Coleman was appointed by President Trump and Administrator Kelly Loeffler to oversee the SBA’s programs, services, offices, and personnel throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands as Atlantic Regional Administrator. Coleman returns to the U.S. Small Business Administration from the private sector after serving as the career Regional Communications Director for the region and national spokesman for the Paycheck Protection Program and the agency’s other COVID Pandemic economic aid programs.
To schedule an interview with Matt Coleman or learn more about the U.S. Small Business Administration, please contact: Regional Communications Specialist Lola Kress.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.