Small Business Week: May 20 – 26

Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin is visiting and talking with owners of local small businesses to learn more about their needs as part of the celebration of National Small Business Week. The official week recognizing small businesses is May 20-26.

On May 15, the County Council issued a proclamation recognizing Small Business Week and urging residents across the county to patronize small businesses in the community. Although this week takes on special significance, visiting small businesses and talking with the owners and employees is something Ervin, who lives in Silver Spring, does regularly.

“Since 1962 the National Small Business Administration has been recognizing the special impact made by outstanding American entrepreneurs and small business owners with Small Business Appreciation Week,” said Ervin. “I encourage everyone to patronize local small businesses in their community because these businesses are part of the fabric of our community and have a significant impact on our local economy.”

The Council last week sought to bring faces and stories to its recognition of local small businesses by honoring the operators of three Montgomery County small businesses. Those recognized for their hard work and determination were Jenny Kim of Number One Cleaners; Jason Miskiri of the The Society Lounge; and Julia Miller and Shanda Waters of BlowOuts Salon.

“Every small business has a story behind it, and although every story is a bit different, almost all share common threads,” said Ervin. “Each successful small business has a dream behind it and a driving force determined to make that dream come true. And no matter how big is the neighborhood or the block, it is these small businesses that give our communities their identities and their personalities. Whether it is a family business on Main Street or a high-tech startup, these small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of America’s promise.”

In fact, Ervin said you can do more than just patronize local businesses.

“Every week is the right week to visit small businesses in your community,” she said. “But this is also the week to take a minute and thank those business operators for being unique, and most of all, to let them know how much they are appreciated.”

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