The Department of Economic Development (DED) joined Governor Mike Parson and Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe this week to recognize National Small Business Week, May 2-5, by highlighting the importance of Missouri's small businesses. This year's theme is "Building a Better America through Entrepreneurship."
"The vast majority of Missouri's businesses are small businesses, and their continued success is vital to the long-term health of our state's well-being," said Parson. "During National Small Business Week, I'd like to take a moment to again recognize and celebrate the efforts of the Show Me Strong Recovery Task Force members and to wholeheartedly thank all small businesses throughout Missouri. You are the heartbeat of our economy."
In 2020, Governor Parson signed Executive Order 21-06 to establish the Show-Me Strong Recovery Task Force. The Task Force was comprised by DED's Director and a diverse range of public servants and business owners. Its purpose was to learn more about challenges Missouri small businesses face through meeting with business owners and then providing recommended solutions to Parson. The Task Force released its final report of recommendations in Decembe, which is now publicly available.
"National Small Business Week is a week to celebrate the resiliency and tenacity of America's entrepreneurs who are doing their part to power our nation's economy," said Kehoe. "For the past two years and counting, Missouri's small businesses have helped influence our economic growth, strengthen our supply chains, and deliver the products and services Missourians depend on every day. As a small businessman myself, I know full well the highs and lows of running a business."
Buy Missouri, a priority of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor's office, is an initiative that showcases products grown, manufactured, or processed in Missouri. The program promotes tourism, increased business activity, and economic development statewide through making Missouri products more accessible, in addition to maintaining an online business directory. Approved products and businesses are listed in the directory, which features retail locations across the state that sell local products made in Missouri. More information about Buy Missouri is available at buymissouri.net.
"Ninety-four percent of Missouri businesses are small businesses, and they play an incredibly important role in our state's economy," said Maggie Kost, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development. "Small business owners across our state work hard to create jobs and opportunities for their fellow Missourians, and we look forward to assisting these establishments through new and renewed programming in the year to come."
Categories: Missouri, Business