By: Amy Berry, President & CEO
Last month’s Small Business Awards Celebration was the perfect kick-off to Small Business Week this week! Click here for the recap: We will continue to appreciate and recognize our small businesses this week as we spotlight some longtime Chamber members – many with us for 40–50+ years. Their stories are a powerful reminder of what’s possible with passion, perseverance, and community support, growing from small beginnings into the local staples we know and love.
We shared a simple graphic on Monday of some easy ways to show some love to small businesses this week. However, if you really want to make an intentional difference to a small business this week, I’d encourage you to put some of these tips, from one of our very own small business owners, Mike DeBaugh Jr., JD, MBA, PMP DeBaugh of Crimson Business Consulting. Read his article here: “Shop Local” Is Lazy. Here’s What Maryland’s Small Businesses Actually Need This Week.”
There are also some wonderful free resources available to business owners this week from the SBA! Check out the free virtual summit happening May 5&6th.
As we move further into May, we’re excited for our businesses to benefit from the economic surge driven by Preakness and Commissioning Week in Anne Arundel County! Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) has done an outstanding job launching Off to the Races in AACO,a landing page to host and highlight the many of the special events, activities, and promotions happening at local businesses before, during, and after the race. We highly encourage you to get your events, specials and promo added to the page. The Chamber is taking part by hosting a Preakness Party at Homestead Gardens, Inc. Beer Farm on May 14th from 5-7PM. It’s a free event open to all and in support of Maryland Therapeutic Riding. Wear your Preakness best and enjoy live music, craft beer, Dodon wine and an assortment of food trucks while connecting with fellow business owners. Check out the on-site interview with WMAR
AND…don’t forget to get your Blue Angels tickets ASAP. This event usually sells-out and we anticipate it selling out sooner than usual since the Naval Academy is still closed to visitors. We only have about 20 tickets left so get your tickets today!