This year’s event
will be chock full of powerhouse sessions that provide the tools
and connections to address your business goals for today and tomorrow.
“We have an exciting line-up,” adds Prakash, “We
have confirmed several keynotes and administration officials, including
Newt Gingrich, Ambassador Susan Schwab (United States Trade Representative),
Administrator Steve Preston (United States Small Business Administration),
David Lattimore (CEO of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City),
John Bryant (CEO of Operation HOPE) and William Kovac (Vice President
of the United States Chamber of Commerce).” Attendees will
also have the unique opportunity to participate in meetings with
corporate and federal buyers who have contracts to be filled by
small businesses.
Powerhouse Sessions from DC to NYC
Small Business Week 2008 begins its first three days in Washington,
D.C. at the Mandarin Oriental, followed by two days in New York
City at the NASDAQ and Westin Times Square. Throughout, the schedule
of events combines awards events and policy forums.
The policy forums will focus on key policy areas
affecting small business growth. Experts will address healthcare,
energy, global market access, procurement and urban investment.
Meanwhile, the awards events will recognize achievements of small
businesses and those who provide support and services to small businesses
around the country. More than 100 Small Businesses of the Year from
each state will be honored, along with the announcement of the National
Small Business Person of the Year. Additional awards will be given
for disaster recovery, federal procurement, lending and entrepreneurial
development.
In New York, event organizers and participants will close trading
at the NASDAQ in honor of the 271 companies now trading publicly
that received Small Business Association (SBA) assistance either
through SBA-guaranteed loans or Small Business Investment Company
(SBIC) investments.
Also, in partnership with the National Women’s
Business Council (NWBC) and several women’s business and policy
groups, there will be a reception to celebrate the 20-year anniversary
of the passing of HR 5050, which opened up access to capital for
women and established the NWBC and the SBA Women’s Business
Center (WBC) programs. The SBA’s SBIC program will also celebrate
its golden anniversary.
Be There, Virtually or in Person
Can’t make it in person? No problem. Event organizers will
webcast the event in its entirety. Event organizers will also invite
industry representatives interested in supporting small businesses
to co-sponsor the event, which will provide them full access to
the awards events and opportunities to reach their small business
suppliers and customers and meet with the major small business associations
and organizations who participate annually.
For more details on National Small Business Week 2008, be sure
to visit www.nationalsmallbusinessweek.com. |
