Since 1963, the President of the United States has officially proclaimed the first week of May National Small Business Week in recognition of American small business owners and entrepreneurs. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses create two out of three new jobs annually in the U.S., and over half of Americans work for or own a small business. National Small Business Week, from May 1 – 7, honors the contributions of small businesses on the nation in creating jobs, driving innovation, and positioning the U.S. for competitive success in the global economy.

In Pennsylvania, small businesses account for over 98 percent of businesses, and employ 2.4 million individuals. The Penn State Small Business Development Center offers free, confidential consulting services for established and prospective small businesses.