Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week, which recognizes the critical contributions ofsmbizgraphic America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about 2 out of every 3 new jobs in the U.S. each year.

As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.

Whether you are a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur, you won’t want to miss the Small Business Administration’s FREE webinars where you meet other business owners online and get expert advice. It’s a FREE 3-day conference May 1st through 3rd, 2018. Register here: http://ow.ly/MunR30jyntp

Roberta Reichgelt, Local Business and Entrepreneurship Manager with the Department of Economic Development said, “The great thing about Salt Lake City is the number of local, neighborhood business districts. This makes our city very unique. Each neighborhood business district has small, and often time local, businesses that are helping to fuel our local economy.”

If you own a business in the city, there is the Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF), Neighborhood Façade Grant, and Redevelopment Agency (RDA) loan programs that can help. These resources are often times more attractive and flexible financial options for small local businesses. A business owner can get anywhere from $25,000 to $350,000 depending on the program, and in some cases, through the RDA, these loans may be forgivable if it meets the right criteria.

Economic Development Loan Fund
Many Salt Lake City small businesses have taken advantage of the Economic Development Loan Fund (EDLF). Visit https://goo.gl/3yq88Y to see were EDLF businesses are located throughout the city.

There is no substitute for personalized one-on-one assistance, especially when you are planning to start your own business. That’s why Salt Lake City and its partners offers multiple ways to ensure you find the right professional resources through the most convenient method for you — whether it’s online, via phone, or in-person.

Roberta Reichlect
Roberta Reichgelt, Local Business and Entrepreneurship Manager

Looking for a business mentor, free business counseling, financing, or workshops and training for new entrepreneurs?  Roberta Reichgelt is here to help connect you with all of the great partnerships our city has to offer including SCORE, SLCC, Suazo Center, Women’s Business Center, Lassonde Center at the U, Utah Science Technology and Research Agency’s (USTAR), and the Salt Lake Chamber.  Contact Roberta at 801-535-7694.

From all of us at Salt Lake City Department of Economic Development, Happy Small Business Week!  We are grateful for your inspiration, dedication, and contribution to our City’s economy.