A speaker celebrates small business owners as the backbone of the U.S. economy, crediting the SBA with saving one company that kept 12 employees and later grew to 30. Gina Salmire is named Small Business Person of the Year, and the remarks highlight that small firms create over 50% of jobs in America.
Questions this video answers
Over 50% of the jobs in the USA.
Kept 12 employees initially; staff later grew to 30.
Gina Salmire.
Chapters
Well, you know, recognizing success is important all the time. So celebrating those who have really set forward a new standard, that's fantastic. Networking with those folks and then building on that energy. This is what it's all about. The energy in this room. As Nancy from Ford said last night, you can feel it. I love the entrepreneurial spirit in small business owners. They have the passion for whatever it is their business is based on. In terms of the portion of Americans who want to do this, it's just off the chart compared to any other nation in the world. That is, in some sense, our fundamental strength. When you meet a small business owner, you see a spirit, a brightness, a drive, a tenacity. What you're doing is making such a large contribution. It makes such a difference. I think all too often, small and medium business owners are unsung heroes in our community and economy, and it's quite honestly about time that we recognize all the value that they bring to this country and to the world. But beyond those economic contributions that small businesses make, they also strengthen the fabric of our society. When we work together, there is nothing that we cannot overcome. The products they develop, the technologies they bring us. The entrepreneurial spirit that the small companies bring to our company is vital to our success. I believe that some of the best minds and the most passionate minds on small business are represented here. America's entrepreneurs and business owners have proven that the American dream is powerful, resilient, and adaptable. We generate over 50% of the jobs in the USA, and it's important to know that without us, the small businesses, we will not have an economy at all. You just have to be as tenacious about finding support as you are about anything else in your business. And it's the small businesses that are really carrying a lot of the weight. And, you know, they just aren't recognized nearly as often. So it's really great to be able to come down and have an organization like the SBA recognize all the small businesses. Congratulations to you and everybody who's being honored here today as some of America's most outstanding business owners and lenders, counselors and coaches, Small Business Administration took me to the next level. When you're in a social networking environment, whether it's a Facebook page, you're Twittering, or wherever you might be, don't be afraid to express that personality in how you talk. The small businesses are the backbone of the nation, and without them, we wouldn't have the great country we have. This is my first time at Small Business Week, but it's been so great to get to meet small business owners like I do every week on my show because to me you are the most inspiring. My wife and I were ready to close the door on the business that we had for almost 20 years. As a result of the SBA's direct intervention, we were able to keep our 12 employees. We now have a staff of 30 and we will be forever grateful to the SBA for coming to our rescue when no one else would. In a challenging economy like the one we face today, it is essential that we recognize the vital role small businesses play and to honor those that have overcome obstacles and succeeding. I wouldn't be where I am today without the without the help and guidance of the SBA and sbdc. Small Business Person of the Year Gina Salmire. Running a successful small business is impressive in any, but it's especially impressive this year. Thank you for the time, thank you for the honor and thank you very much.
