Our society has relied on the concept of entrepreneurship for years, bringing innovation to the world and building economies. November is National Entrepreneurship Month. Throughout November, Americans celebrate all entrepreneurs and recognize innovators, support small businesses, and encourage entrepreneurs to transform their ideas into reality. The importance of celebrating small business owners was well stated by President Biden in the October 31, 2022, Presidential Proclamation.
“Starting and owning a business has always been a key path to the American Dream – a way to build wealth, serve your neighbors, and leave a mark in a community and on the world.” – President Biden
As we applaud all small business owners across this great nation, SBA’s Community Navigators Pilot Program—a product of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021— reduces barriers often faced by underserved and underrepresented small business owners in accessing programs to start, grow and manage their business.
The National Disability Institute (NDI) is one of the 51 grantees of the SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program. NDI is a national nonprofit organization laser-focused on making the American dream of business ownership a reality for entrepreneurs and small business owners with disabilities. Through their work as a Community Navigator Pilot Program grantee, NDI is assisting small business owners to access capital, create business plans, and access timely and relevant resources to help them grow their business during these economic times.
One example of NDI’s impact is the story of Tracy Pulliam, a small business owner with disabilities, who had a vision in 2019 to successfully start his own transportation business to provide accessible and reliable transportation to the local residents of Washington, D.C. Ruth Chavez, an advisor for NDI worked one-on-one with Tracy to provide him support in business development, digital media marketing, e-commerce, and procurement.
With the new partnerships created by SBA’s Community Navigator Pilot Program, Tracy is confident in the future of his small business: “I appreciate Ms. Ruth in introducing me with resources and networks to help me scale and grow my business. It has helped me to think positively and stay focused on my business goals and obligations,” said Pulliam. The SBA applauds Tracy, NDI, and all entrepreneurs embarking on pursuing the American dream of small business ownership.
Committed to empowering entrepreneurs, SBA offers resources at any stage of your business. Like Tracy, you too can turn your idea into a thriving small business. Why not start today? To discover one of our SBA District Offices, Resource Partners and/or Community Navigators please the local assistance page.