Capital Region Small Business Week returns May 3–9 with awards, resources and outreach efforts
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors formally recognized Capital Region Small Business Week during its recent meeting, adopting a resolution that highlights the role of small businesses across the region and marks the event’s 10th anniversary.
The recognition aligns with National Small Business Week, observed each May to acknowledge the contributions of small businesses nationwide.
Capital Region Small Business Week will take place May 3–9 and includes a series of events focused on resources, education and recognition for business owners throughout Sacramento County and the surrounding region.
“This is an opportunity for us to honor small businesses throughout the nation and provide them with additional support services,” said Crystal Bethke, director of Sacramento County’s Office of Economic Development, during the presentation of the resolution.
Bethke said more than 33 million small businesses operate nationwide, including 4.1 million in California and more than 26,000 in the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County.
The week’s schedule includes more than a dozen resource events and a May 6 awards ceremony recognizing businesses and community partners.
The initiative is coordinated by a regional steering committee that includes the City of Sacramento, SMUD, Better Business Bureau, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Women’s Business Center, among others.
“This year is really special in Sacramento County because we are celebrating 10 years of Capital Region Small Business Week,” said Heather Luzzi, district director for the Small Business Administration in Sacramento. “We are especially proud to be powered by SMUD. They have supported this event for the last ten years, attended everything we do, and we are very, very grateful.”
Sofia Kanaan, director of the Women’s Business Center, said she has chaired the organizing committee for the past decade and noted the continued coordination among regional partners.
Supervisors also highlighted ongoing outreach efforts aimed at supporting small businesses throughout the county.
“I really appreciate the emphasis, the work, and the focus you give to our small businesses,” said Rosario Rodriguez, chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We now conduct business walks almost every week because we want to connect directly with those small businesses and provide them with resources to address the challenges they face in operating and sustaining their businesses—whether it’s marketing ideas or other operational needs.”
Rodriguez said the county has also added a behavioral health component to its outreach efforts to address challenges faced by business owners.
“More recently, we have also added a behavioral health component, recognizing that small business owners often struggle in that area as well,” she said.
Officials said Capital Region Small Business Week will continue to focus on connecting businesses with available resources and strengthening partnerships across the region as the annual event enters its second decade.
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