National Small Business Week 2011 kicks off today with a week-long vigorous line-up of festivities in Washington, DC that includes guest speaker seminars, national award ceremonies and networking events for entrepreneurs, government officials and members of the press.  Hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and co-sponsored by a number of small-business advocacy and interest groups as well as major corporations, Small Business Week is an annual event designed to recognize the many contributions that small businesses make to the nation’s economic stability and progress.

According to the National Small Business Week official website, more than half of
Americans either own or work for a small business.  In addition, small businesses create 60 to 80 percent of all new jobs in this country and are the driving force behind much of the U.S.’ innovation and competitiveness.

“Small business owners and employees across America are proving their resiliency as they continue to drive the nation out of recession through economic growth and job creation,” said SBA Administrator Karen Mills.  “National Small Business Week gives us an opportunity to honor their achievements and the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation and determination that makes them the engine of our economy and our nation’s economic recovery.”

Starting today, you can access many National Small Business events live via webcast.  Just click here on the 2011 National Small Business Week official website and look for the webcast prompt in the upper-right corner of your screen to get started!

The website also features a whole host of small business resources that would be potentially beneficial for any entrepreneur, including direct links to and information about the following organizations:

• SBA’s Small Business Training Network—Virtual campus offering free training, workshops and resources to assist entrepreneurs.
• SBA’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)—One-stop management assistance to individuals and small business owners.
• SCORE (Counselors to America’s Small Business)—Free, confidential business advice from a 10,000+ strong nationwide network of working and retired entrepreneurs who act as small business counselors.
• Women’s Business Centers—National network of 100 educational centers offering assistance of all aspects of small business entrepreneurship.
• The National Women’s Business Council (NWBC)—Bi-partisan federal advisory council that serves as an independent source of advice and policy recommendations on economic issues of greatest importance to women business owners.
• Youth Entrepreneurship—Works to introduce young entrepreneurs to the concept of small business ownership and support them in achieving their dreams.
• U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs)—Assists small businesses in taking advantage of export markets.