For over fifty years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has designated the first week of May to celebrate small business owners around the country. Unlike many other parts of the country, however, the City of Charlotte and its small business resources partners have declared the entire month of May as Small Business Month.
In fact, Mayor Vi Lyles made an official proclamation in 2020, stating, “Now, therefore, I, Vi Alexander Lyles, Mayor of Charlotte, do hereby proclaim May 1 – 31, 2020 as ‘Small Business Month’ in the City of Charlotte and commend its observance to all citizens by supporting local small businesses during this month and throughout the year.”
For the past three years, the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Business Resources have executed a social media campaign called #31DaysofBiz, which features small business owners and the amazing work their businesses are doing across the official Charlotte Business Resources social channels and blog. Businesses are nominated by the City’s twenty-five small business resource partners, and also receive a small gift to honor their part in the Queen City’s business ecosystem.
JuaJua Cleaning, a family-owned business dedicated to commercial and residential pressure washing services, was one of the #31DaysofBiz honorees. When asked what the impact has been for his business, owner Juan Cruz shared, “We are grateful for the opportunity to be recognized in the #31DaysofBiz campaign. It allowed exposure for our business while highlighting the great things the City of Charlotte has to offer for business owners.”
Charleszetta Smith Ford, owner of Better Bodies 4 Us, an organization that offers mobile youth fitness classes, literacy programs, and onsite corporate fitness classes for adults throughout the Queen City, was honored on the fourth day of the #31DaysofBiz campaign. “Being included in the #31DaysofBiz campaign brought great pride of ownership and a huge sense of accomplishment. Although I have been in business for over 13 years, my business has never been highlighted or recognized. Finally, I must be doing something right!” commented Ford.
Weaver, Bennett & Bland, a trusted law firm in the Charlotte area, was also included in the City’s social campaign. Attorney and managing partner Matthew Villmer stated, “We’re so pleased to be recognized through the #31DaysofBiz campaign. Charlotte Business Resources has been a wonderful champion of new and existing businesses in Charlotte. We can’t speak highly enough of the organization, and their campaign to promote and recognize businesses like ours!”
The City’s Small Business Month celebrations also includes the CBRBiz Annual Small Business Month Kickoff Networking event and other exclusive events, but all have been postponed this year due to COVID-19. The City’s organizers hope to host a similar celebration for the thriving entrepreneurial community in future months, after the Stay at Home order has been lifted. Some of these events have been shifted to a virtual format, so be sure to check the Charlotte Business Resources event calendar for the most up-to-date information.
Charlotte Business Resources also hosts a podcast called B2U Podcast, that interviews local entrepreneurs and small business owners, highlighting what they are currently working on in the business community. The most recent episode features Robin McIntire from the Small Business and Technology Development Center and Jose D. Alvarez from Prospera, who discuss the resources available to small business owners amidst the pandemic.
For more information on the ways CBRBiz can provide additional resources and support for your small business, visit us online or be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the most timely information.
