Governor Jim Pillen has officially proclaimed this week as Nebraska Small Business Week. During recognitions like this we are reminded of a simple truth: small businesses are the foundation of our economy.
Across Nebraska, small businesses shape the character of our neighborhoods and drive the momentum of our state. From family-owned restaurants and neighborhood retailers to innovative startups and growing service providers, these businesses represent the entrepreneurial spirit that defines our community. They are where ideas take root, where risks are taken and where opportunity is created every single day.
That impact is measurable and deeply felt. Small businesses create a significant share of new jobs, serve as critical suppliers to larger industries and keep investment circulating within our local economy. Just as importantly, they bring life and vibrancy to our commercial corridors, helping to attract talent and create the kind of place people want to live, work and stay.
But while we celebrate, we must also recognize the reality small businesses face today. They are navigating a rapidly changing economic landscape shaped by workforce shortages, inflationary pressures, access to capital challenges and the accelerating pace of technological change. Competition is now national and global. To remain competitive, small businesses must adapt quickly, and they cannot do it alone.
That is where partnership matters.
At the Greater Omaha Chamber, our work is guided by a clear strategy: ensuring our region and state competes for jobs, talent and investment. Through our Omaha COMPETES agenda, we are advocating for policies that support small business growth, from modernizing economic development tools and expanding workforce pipelines to improving access to capital and reducing barriers to growth. These are real solutions designed to help small businesses start, scale and succeed.
We are also focused on creating meaningful connections. Whether it is opening doors to new markets, providing platforms for visibility or convening leaders across industries, our goal is to ensure small businesses have a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions that shape our economy. Because when small businesses succeed, our entire state moves forward.
Small Business Week is a time to celebrate, but it is also a call to action. It is a reminder that supporting small businesses is a year-round commitment. It requires collaboration between the public and private sectors, intentional investment and a shared belief in the potential of our entrepreneurs.
This week, and every week, let us continue to support the businesses that power our economy, strengthen our communities and shape our future.