It's often said that economic development is a team sport. Nowhere is that more apparent than in the small business arena, where many local, state and national organizations work together to foster an environment promoting entrepreneurship and small business growth.
Among the organizations that S.C. Commerce works with on a routine basis to cultivate that positive environment is the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Earlier this week, the SBA kicked off its National Small Business Week. Established in 1963, this annual occasion provides an opportunity to recognize the many firms that represent the true backbone of our economy. After all, small businesses make up more than 97 percent of all private employers in South Carolina.
Recognizing the significance of small business and sharing a vision to strengthen and grow small business development within our borders, last November, S.C. Commerce and SBA signed a strategic alliance memorandum to agree to officially work together in a more concerted manner. It is through partnerships like this one that we are able to better collaborate to provide resources to our small businesses to ensure their continued success.
So, for the rest of this week and beyond, be sure to support all of the local businesses that operate within our borders. When one company succeeds, our entire state succeeds because this is a team sport.