SBA announces Small Business Week virtual summit

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced the 2023 National Small Business Week schedule for the Virtual Summit, taking place May 2-3.

This year’s NSBW Virtual Summit will feature educational workshops presented by our co-sponsors, provide access to federal resources and offer networking to help our nation’s entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses.

“SBA’s National Small Business Week highlights American success stories with a celebration made possible through SBA’s partnership with SCORE and the support of all of SBA’s generous co-sponsors,” said Associate Administrator for the Office of Communications and Public Liaison Christina Hale. “This year’s winners are amazing, and the SBA is proud to shine attention on their efforts, undoubtedly inspiring tomorrow’s American entrepreneurs as well.”

“Together, American small businesses create a very large impact on our nation’s economy,” said SCORE CEO Bridget Weston.

“The past few years have challenged business owners like never before. Thanks to the generous support of our National Small Business Week sponsors, we are celebrating the resilient spirit of American entrepreneurialism and providing timely education and resources to help ensure the continued vitality and success of our small businesses.”

The two-day Virtual Summit includes sessions hosted on everything from writing your business plan to using technology to elevate performance. The SBA continues to expand and use technology to reach the smallest of small businesses across America. National Small Business Week 2023 is being celebrated in person at our nation’s capital and throughout our virtual Summit so all entrepreneurs may attend.

Salute To Small Business

EZEZ Business Network helps set up the basics

BY TRISH LEONARD Guest Columnist

At TLC, we have much to be thankful for as we celebrate Small Business Month. Our clients who keep us busy, the community to which we give back, and the many not-for-profits we serve and support.

Creativity plays a vital role in the business at TLC. The team works together to share ideas and continues to learn from each other. We provide educated experiences and research with natural creativity that offers positive results.

In January 2024, we will celebrate our 15th anniversary in Southwest Florida. We are excited to continue growing and providing our TLC experience.

This month, we salute all businesses and challenge you to continue to be the best you can be.

Trish Leonard, IOM, is the founder of TLC Marketing & Creative Services, Inc. Contact (239) 405-8115 or trish@trishleonard.com. Visit TlcMarketing-events. com.

A veteran of hard work, Elbert Zeigler understands firsthand the challenges small companies face. As a small business owner and operator in the automotive industry for more than 30 years, he has been on the front lines. He owned used car dealerships and auto body shops in diverse locations like New Jersey, Connecticut and Florida.

He said, “The Marine Corps taught me self-discipline skills that have helped me throughout my career.”

Following his retirement in 2010, he enrolled at Hodges University in Fort Myers. In 2015, he graduated with two diplomas: an Associate of Science in Computer Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Digital Design, Graphics, and Media.

Elbert started EZ Business Network in 2018 on the premise that every business needs a website, social media, and possibly e-commerce. He believes that the knowledge you acquire from starting a successful company (or a failed one, for that matter) can be used to help others.

Elbert said, “You should develop a positive rapport with potential clients. Start by actively listening to what they need and then be motivated to build a relationship with them. Recognize that clients work with you to solve their business problems. They aren’t buying a website. They’re buying a tool to accomplish their business goals. I learned quickly that clients don’t care about degrees, tech skills or design flair. Their main concern is whether I can help them accomplish their goals.”

He is passionate about web design and keeps upto-date with technology trends. His company aims to create functional, easy-to-use, and visually appealing websites at a reasonable price.

Contact Zeigler at info@EZEZBusinessNetwork.com or (239) 313-3700.

Congrats to all small business owners

For one teen, what started out as side job for a high school freshman cleaning his parents’ office building has grown into a franchise system with franchisees in 6 states and continues to grow.

Image One co-founder and Fort Myers’ resident Tim Conn began his career in the cleaning industry in the northern suburbs of Chicago in 1985. After 15 years, he partnered with Mike Schuchman of Estero and began franchising.

Locally, Image One USA has three franchise owners operating in Southwest Florida, servicing clients from Naples to Cape Coral. Image One provides janitorial services to any commercial property that requires an outside cleaning service.

From general offices to medical spaces, schools and churches, auto dealers to banks, restaurants to homeowner association clubhouses and common areas, Image One has had experience with virtually every type of commercial property.

The three local Image One franchises service a variety of locations and are available practically 24/7! Be it general cleaning, post construction clean-up, or a deep clean and disin-