NSBW 2025: 5 reasons why we champion small and midsize businesses

National Small Business Week is a week-long celebration dedicated to spotlighting the backbone of our economy: small and midsize businesses (SMB). These businesses are the often-unsung heroes driving our country’s economic growth, fostering job creation and nurturing local communities.

The numbers are staggering: Small businesses alone account for 99% of all businesses and 44% of all economic activity in America. They employ 61.7 million Americans, including 46.4% of private sector employees.

Beyond those numbers, at the heart of every SMB lies the dedication and resilience of its leader. They are the driving force behind the growth, innovation and employment opportunities that SMBs bring to our economy. They don’t see quitting as an option. Instead, they navigate challenges with determination and consistently work to find creative solutions to obstacles.

As we wrap up this year’s annual observance of National Small Business Week, we acknowledge the profound impact SMBs have on their communities. The following are just a few of the many reasons it is important to rally behind SMBs now, more than ever:

1. Job creation and employment opportunities

It’s one thing to create jobs; it’s another to create high-quality jobs at workplaces with exceptional cultures. High-integrity small and midsized business leaders across the United States achieve growth, but not at any cost. They make business decisions based on their values and create workplaces where employees are not just treated fairly, but with respect and great care. Cleanlogic — an Audubon, Pennsylvania company that manufactures skin care products — purposefully hires individuals with disabilities and creates an accessible workplace that enables all employees to contribute.

When I spoke with Cleanlogic Co-CEO Mike Ghesser, it was clear that he cared about creating exceptional products. Still, he was equally passionate about the mission of job creation. Businesses like theirs drive economic prosperity by providing opportunities for all individuals to thrive in the workforce.

2. Innovation and entrepreneurship

SMB leaders are driven by a continuous question: How can we make our product or service better for our customers? People like Raven Software President Brian Raffel changed the video game industry and transformed Madison, Wisconsin, in the process. And Sports Reference President Sean Forman’s mission to democratize sports data brought his company skyrocketing growth. These innovators exemplify the transformative potential of SMB leaders in seeking to improve the customer experience and foster prosperity within their communities.

3. Community impact

What sets SMB leaders apart is their tight connection to their communities. They are often the first to volunteer to sponsor the local Little League team and school fundraisers, giving back to the neighborhoods that support them. Knowing their customers by name and understanding their unique needs allows them to tailor their businesses to better serve their communities.

Darren James, president of KAI Enterprises — an integrated architectural, engineering and construction services firm in the Dallas-Fort Worth area — demonstrates this commitment to community impact. As an architect and civic leader, James spearheads community development efforts that directly impact the Dallas community, creating jobs and inspiring other businesses to invest in local projects.

The proximity to their communities allows SMBs to forge genuine connections, strengthening the social fabric and fostering a sense of belonging and trust that transcends mere transactions.

4. Economic stability

SMBs are the engines for economic growth, particularly in today’s uncertain landscape. Amid economic challenges, SMBs serve as catalysts for stability and growth.

This significance is underscored by the recent recognition of companies honored as National Small Business Week Award winners from all 50 states. Included among the award winners are ASCI President and CEO Christine Hopkins and Percival Scientific President Jake Oakland, both Vistage members. As Christine grew her business, she focused on hiring veterans, creating a workforce where 65% of employees are military-affiliated. Jake Oakland faces business challenges with a spirit of adaptability and continuous improvement, saying, “I love the challenges. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t relish them.”

These CEOs represent just a few of the millions of SMB leaders nationwide focused on job creation and driving economic prosperity in their communities.

5. Resilience and adaptability

One thing almost all the SMB leaders I’ve met have in common: They persevere. Resilience and adaptability are core to SMBs’ DNA. On their journey to become better leaders, they actively seek opportunities to share best practices and learn from other CEOs to improve. With humility, they embrace mentorship by helping others and remaining open to learning from the wisdom of their CEO peers. They seek out unbiased, diverse perspectives by engaging in peer-to-peer knowledge-sharing in local peer advisory groups, such as Vistage, and provide accountability for one another. Approaching challenges with a sense of curiosity, they embrace change and remain agile, moving their businesses forward and ensuring the sustainability of our economy.

Although people often think about small and midsize businesses on the macro level, each of those companies is run by an individual — someone who came up with an idea and pursued it with determination, who focuses on creating the best working environment for their team and who seeks to improve their community or create a better product.

At Vistage, we have the good fortune to be able to help empower SMBs through peer advisory groups, and we get an up-close look at the daily challenges they face. We recognize their pivotal role and aim to contribute to their collective progress, as their success correlates with the prosperity of society as a whole. These businesses are the cornerstone of healthy communities, driving economic growth and creating opportunities for individuals to thrive. While National Small Business Week is a great reminder, it is essential to champion SMBs year-round.

Related Resources

National Small Business Week: Must-reads of 2025

How 2 award-winning small business CEOs made a big impact

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