NEW ORLEANS – According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year. National Small Business Week, which takes place from May 5 through May 11, honors their contributions and also gives self-employed individuals the extra support they need to succeed.
“Small Business Week creates excitement in the business community,” said Liz Lewis, the FranNet Market president of Louisiana. “It attracts more people who are interested in business ownership. It gives them an opportunity to see and talk to people who are in the business world.”
FranNet, a nationwide franchise based in Kentucky, provides education and support to people considering a career of self-employment through franchised business ownership.
As a FranNet consultant, Lewis works with prospective business owners. Since she owns the rights to FranNet of Louisiana, she’s also a business owner.
“We usually discuss the three avenues to business ownership,” she said. “You can start a business from scratch; buy an existing business; or invest in a franchise. If we determine that a small business franchise opportunity is the right fit for them, then we work together through the FranNet proprietary process that we have to find a business that aligns not only with their skillset, but also with their personal goals, their business goals, their interests, and of course their budget.”
Lewis believes that the New Orleans small business market is flourishing, partially thanks to support from local organizations like the Small Business Development Center, the Chambers of Commerce, regional universities with entrepreneurship programs, and SCORE, an association of volunteer business executives who provide free or low-cost advice and mentorships to aspiring business owners.
The U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE Association will host a free, two-day virtual conference during National Small Business Week. On Tuesday, May 7 and Wednesday, May 8, participants can pick and choose webinars based on the topics that interest them, and network with industry experts.
Lewis is a free resource as well.
“If you’re interested in business ownership, do your research, do your due diligence, talk to people who are in that world, and use the resources that are available to find the right fit for you,” she said. “I think you'll be amazed at how much help you will get.”
By Suzanne Pfefferle Tafur, the associate news editor of BizNewOrleans.com. Follow her on Twitter @SuzPfefferle.