Honoring the heart of Redmond: small businesses | Guest Column
Published 10:30 am Friday, April 29, 2016
Every year since 1963, the president has officially designated a National Small Business Week. This is a perfect time for us to renew our commitment to small businesses in Redmond, a vital part of the backbone and foundation of the strongest, most resilient economy the world has ever known.
This year, National Small Business Week will occur from May 1-7. The theme this year is “Dream Big, Start Small.” Across the Puget Sound, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will recognize the role small businesses play in building thriving communities like Redmond.
Small businesses today create two out of every three new private-sector jobs and employ half of the private workforce. Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to help entrepreneurs in Redmond as they continue to drive the Puget Sound’s economy forward.
For more than 200 years, American innovation has sparked ideas that have changed the course of history and improved lives for millions. At the SBA, we are determined to ensure local enterprises continue to have the financial tools, resources and expertise they need to succeed. Every day, SBA is working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation and increase the global competitiveness of our local businesses.
Mud Bay on 161st Avenue Northeast is a great example of the pioneer spirit for which the Pacific Northwest is known. Starting as a tiny farm store in the late 1980s, owner Elsa Wulff and her family narrowed their focus and became a pioneer in the natural pet care industry.
Through their innovation and tenacity — along with support from a few SBA guaranteed loans and advising from SCORE — they have created dozens of jobs in 40 communities across the Pacific Northwest.
Small businesses like Mud Bay are the heart of Redmond. Together, let’s seize the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners and others from Redmond.
Calvin Goings is regional administrator for SBA Region 10 in Seattle, which covers Washington state, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.
