Traditionally, the first week of May serves as National Small Business Week (NSBW) in the United States, but this year based on the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, this event has been moved potentially to occur in Fall 2021 as the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit happening September 13th–15th.

For more than 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year is one unlike the half-century that has come before. We are facing unique challenges together. However, American small businesses continue to play a central role in building a strong country, prepared for any obstacles in the future.

More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create nearly two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. As part of NSBW, the SBA takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others who support entrepreneurship from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories.

Additionally, this year’s NSBW in September will recognize the small businesses that have navigated the coronavirus pandemic while supporting their employees and communities. A number of presenters will discuss retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs as our nation’s small businesses look to pivot and recover towards a stronger economy.

Every day, the SBA is working to grow small businesses, create 21st-century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. Last year, there were over 31 million small businesses in the U.S. In Michigan, roughly 1 million small businesses make up half of our state’s private employers. These companies have fewer than 500 workers.

As a small business in Oakland County, Michigan, AIP Marketing Alliance is proud to support other local businesses in our community as we continue to persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic to provide exceptional service, continuous support, technology, and carriers and products to keep business as usual as best we can throughout these difficult times. We appreciate every independent wholesaler and agent who chooses to use AIPMA as their insurance distributor.

AIPMA will continue our positive momentum as Michigan, and other states slowly get back to normalcy. We also hope you will take a minute to shop, dine, or support your local small businesses in May and throughout the year as they fight to make a positive difference in our society.