In honor of the estimated 27.2 million small businesses in America, Chance Mitchell, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) co-founder and CEO, joined President Barack Obama at the White House for the president's official announcement of National Small Business Week.
Every president has celebrated national Small Business Week, which runs May 23-29, since John F. Kennedy, who inaugurated the event in 1963. It recognizes the contributions of small businesses and their owners to the economic well being of the nation.
"Being a successful small business person isn't just about collecting a profit or outperforming your competitors," Obama said Tuesday. "It's about contributing to the success of this country's economy. It's about securing your piece of the American Dream."
During the event in the White House Rose Garden, Obama highlighted the efforts his administration has made to bolster small businesses, specifically the implementation of tax cuts and the Making Work Pay tax credits most small business owners receive. The president also noted that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has supported some 64,000 loans totaling more than $27 million to small businesses.
"The NGLCC recognizes that small businesses drive innovation while creating 21st century jobs and increasing U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace," Mitchell said. "We are proud to join the White House in celebrating all small businesses, particularly the 1.4 million LGBT-owned small businesses in America."
In his statement, Obama also called on Congress to pass a small business jobs bill to ensure that credit-worthy small businesses can gain access to funds they need to expand and create jobs.
"This is an important week for all of America to take note that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy," said Justin Nelson, co-founder and president of the NGLCC. "We look forward to continuing our work on behalf of LGBT- and allied-owned businesses through our services, programs and scholarships-all geared toward business development and growth opportunities."
