02 May Happy Small Business Week!
Did you know that, as of February 2018, there are 30.2 million small businesses in the United States? That makes up 99.9% of United States Businesses, and 47.5% of United States Employees! When it’s put like that, small business really isn’t as small as we think! In Connecticut alone, there are 342,443 small businesses and they are consistently growing faster than the overall US growth rate!
So why should we support small businesses over the bigger corporations? One reason that sticks out from the above statistics is that they are our country! However, half of small businesses survive 5 years or more, perhaps because customers assume they will get a better price at the bigger companies. This may be true in some cases, but one overlooked fact is that generally the stores don’t make the prices, but the vendors do! So next time you are thinking about going to a Walgreens or Walmart to pick up your prescription or groceries, look to your local network first and support your community!
Small business owners also pride themselves on their superior customer service – it’s how they thrive and compete against the bigger companies! With SAVA Insurance, for example, you are always talking to an agent, never an automated system; an agent who knows you, your family, what you’ve been through, and who has your best interests in mind. We are not looking to get the most money out of you that we can, we are looking to get you the most coverage out of us that you can!
Local business owners are also more likely to give back to your community – especially us here at SAVA! We are constantly involved with nonprofits and other organizations whether it is volunteering, donating, being committee members, or gathering support throughout the state. Our company mantras are “Guided By Heart” and “SAVA Cares”, and we believe that shows through our community service.
So, when you’re deciding between the bigger companies or a neighbor’s shop, support your local small business and help them grow so that your community can grow along with it! If you’re looking to start or grow your business, there are many resources available to you here in Connecticut!
The Connecticut Small Business Development Center is open to entrepreneurs across the state, and provides one-on-one confidential advisement to both brand new and growing businesses in all types of industries – all at no charge. They assist local businesses throughout all stages of planning, development and management, so make sure to take advantage of that resource!
There are also many workshops around the state to help you build your business! Here are just some of the events that are coming up this week!
May 3rd
SCORE Workshop: Marketing Your Business – 5:30 pm – Acton Public Library, Old Saybrook CT
This workshop provides an introduction to marketing communications methods and tools to maximize customer reach. Discussion covers pricing strategies, positioning, the difference between features and benefits, and different marketing strategies. At the end of the session, you will know how to outline your marketing strategy, test your marketing message, choose the right sales channel, and exercise your marketing strategy.
Business Smart Workshop: GO! – 6:30 pm – Silas Bronson Library, Waterbury, CT
Learn what it takes to have a successful start-up! **Learn about the local resources available to assist you in starting and growing a small business.
May 4th
The Secrets to Success: Business Planning –12 pm – Microsoft store @ Danbury Fair Mall
A clever idea isn’t the only thing you need to start a successful business… Marketplaces, both offline and on, are littered with the empty storefronts and URL’s of ventures that should have been successful but weren’t. While there’s no one formula for success, looking at past miscues can provide insights into why even brilliant ideas fail.
Other events:
https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ct/hartford
Remember, at the end of the day, your business will need insurance coverage and that’s where SAVA Insurance comes in! We are here to protect what you have worked so hard to build, and as a small business we understand exactly what you need in order to make your business safe and successful! Call us today at (860) 437-7282 to discuss your options on how to protect your future!
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