Small Business Equals Big Success

Small businesses are the backbone of our Chamber, with 88% of our members employing less than 100 employees. These businesses are also a vital component of the Kansas economy. The Kansas Department of Labor reports that three-fourths of the companies in in our state employ fewer than ten people. Every year, the U.S. Small Business Administration declares a national week for communities, regions, territories and states to recognize and celebrate the impact of small businesses and the entrepreneurs who lead them. This year’s National Small Business Week is April 29-May 5. We’ll be celebrating that week with a number of opportunities for experienced entrepreneurs to inspire others and share their stories. But our small businesses are so important that we’ll also need another day later in the month to continue that celebration. Take a look at the events listed below and plan to join us to support and forge new connections with the successful small businesses in our region. SMALL BUSINESS PROFILES Monday through Friday during National Small Business Week we’ll be highlighting one of our Chamber members who operates a small business. You’ll be reading interviews on our blog with women and men who run businesses that deliver everything from needed healthcare to refreshing brewskies. Several of them have reached major milestones this year and some will be celebrating expansions with Chamber ribbon cuttings in the next few months. Share this post and encourage others to subscribe and learn from these successful entrepreneurs. Hermes Healthcare will be the first business profiled in next week's series.

April 30 – Hermes Healthcare, Inc. May 1 – Augustino Brewing Company May 2 – Red Door Three May 3 – The Arcade May 4 – Connie’s Mexico Cafe

WICHITA DISTRICT SBA EVENT May 1 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. - This year we’re partnering with the Wichita District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration on a free roundtable event for aspiring entrepreneurs. Register to attend The Succeeding in Business Roundtable – Learn How They Made It. Two Chamber members are among the five panelists:  Andrew Gough of Reverie Coffee Roasters and Pattie Durham of Moxie a sass + class boutique ENGAGE & IGNITE SMALL BUSINESS CONFERENCE May 23 – Our 3^rd annual conference features six morning sessions developed by our small businesses to address their needs. Topics range from conflict resolution to leading change. It’s only $15 to attend the conference, so bring your team! Register here. Joe Ontjes of Luminous Neon Inc. will give the keynote speech at the May 23rd luncheon. SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS LUNCHEON May 23 – Celebrate our nine Small Business Awards finalists at our annual luncheon to highlight the impact of small business in our region. Our keynote speaker is Joe Ontjes of Luminous Neon, Inc. His topic is Thinking Big: Growth Mindset Principles for Small Business Leaders. You’ll be the first to know who will be named the Small Business of the Year in each category at the conclusion of the luncheon. Register here. Small business equals big success every day in our region. Our thanks to all of our members who strive every day to improve our community and our business climate. Wichita wouldn’t be the same without you and we’re grateful that you provide so many needed services while employing our neighbors, friends, family and colleagues.