Start up in the Blue Ocean June 2023 Vol. 19 No. 1 | Page 6

SBA observes National Small Business Week 2023 By Pacific Business Partners News Staff

Washington – The U . S . Small Business Administration marked April 30-May 6 as National Small Business Week , an annual celebration of the resilience , innovation , and economic power of America ’ s small businesses and innovative startups .

“ Amid a record-breaking 10.5 million people applying to start a new business under the Biden-Harris Administration , I ’ m thrilled to showcase our highly impactful entrepreneurs who build prosperity in their communities while strengthening our nation ’ s global competitiveness ,’ said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman , the voice in President Biden ’ s Cabinet for America ’ s over 33 million small businesses ,
This annual tradition , led by the SBA for more than 60 years , is co-hosted by SCORE , mentors to America ’ s small businesses . During NSBW , the SBA recognizes the hard work , ingenuity , and dedication of
Isabella Casilla Guzman
America ’ s small businesses , and celebrates their contributions to the economy .
This year marked the return of in-person awards ceremonies in Washington , D . C ., for the first time since 2019 .
On May 1 , Abdirahman Kahin , owner of Afro Deli & Grill restaurants , Abdirahman Kahin , was named the national small business owner of the year . Kahin , a native of Djibouti , started with one restaurant near the University of Minnesota ’ s Minneapolis campus and now has four establishments in the Twin Cities .
Under the Biden-Harris Administration , the SBA played a critical role in saving small businesses , helping Main Street recover , driving market innovation , and powering a historic 10.5 million small business applications .
The SBA vows to double down on its efforts to ensure it is meeting small businesses and startups everywhere they are , including helping entrepreneurs navigate the evolving marketplace so that they can start , grow and sustain their businesses .
About National Small Business Week
For 60 years , the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week , recognizing the critical contributions of America ’ s entrepreneurs and small business owners .
More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business and create about two out of every three new jobs in the U . S . each year . As part of National Small Business Week , the U . S . Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs , small business owners , and others from all 50 states and U . S . territories .
Every day , they ’ re working to grow small businesses , create 21st century jobs , drive innovation , and increase America ’ s global competitiveness . And in recognizing the changing face of America , the SBA ’ s National Small Business Week awards honor individuals and businesses that reflect our nation ’ s rich diversity .
6 PACIFIC BUSINESS PARTNERS JUNE 2023
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serves a great purpose in education , Ms . Halsey is a true definition of a success . She mentioned in the interview , “ I have zero experience in running , owning , or knowing anything about operating a business . I started everything from the bottom . I was so confused on where to start , and I have made many mistakes getting to where I am now . I wish I knew about SBDC when I first started and I would have had a better foundation but I am so grateful now . I was able to go to free business classes to find more resources for my specific business . I am still learning and of course it can be overwhelming but knowing I have this foundation to guide me is really comforting .”
By planning ahead , Ms . Halsey noted a few short- and long-term goals . She is optimistic about locating funding to continue her goals of raising money for 1,000 copies of Peto books to send across America . She started a campaign called “ Peto ’ s Journey Across America ” in 2021 where she wanted to donate 1,000 copies of her first book , “ Peto , The Boy With the C Shaped Blood ” to hospitals , schools and libraries across all 50 states . She desires to establish this as a non-profit section of Petos Journey .
She has had great success so far and she notes that there is more work to do until the goal is reached . She has donated copies in regular print and braille to 28 schools here in Guam and various hospitals stateside . She wishes to ensure that kids have access to books that teach them how to build connections with people who are different from them , as well as teach them how to become true friends . Ms . Halsey also plans to set up a workshop called “ We Can Be …” This will
teach and encourage kids to write their own children ’ s books and will allow for them to pair with other students who love to draw .
In the long-term , Ms . Halsey plans on releasing four more books . She stated that these books will “… highlight other illnesses , disorders , or unfortunate things . And after , we introduce each character ’ s spin off to dig deeper into their own personal story .” She also plans on building a team that will help her navigate the non-profits , as well as finding other clients who want to publish their own books . Additionally , she looks forward to expanding her business to include animated series , comics , Peto dolls , and merchandise for kids and parents to enjoy .
During the interview with Guam SBDC , she was asked , “ what advice would you give to others who want to start a business at this time ?”
Ms . Halsey replied , “ Don ’ t let the hardship of the start determine how you finish . The reason why you start anything is enough . My reason will always be to spread awareness about Sickle Cell Anemia and other illnesses that are often misunderstood . Your journey to grow your business may be different from others but it ’ s still your own personal journey . Remember that even though Peto ’ s blood cells were shaped like a C , it was his heart that changed the world .”