Gov. Jack Markell is honoring Delaware’s homegrown businesses during National Small Business Week.
He credits those employers for helping to outpace the nation in job growth and reiterated his commitment to helping them reach their goals.
“It’s why we’re backing initiatives like the Small Business Focus program, which encourages and enhances opportunities for small businesses, and the Small Business Assistance Program, which assists new and existing small businesses located in Delaware to understand and comply with environmental requirements easily and effectively.” Markell said.
Markell also pointed to an executive order he signed last year to open more access to state contracts for small businesses.
Full transcript of Gov. Markell's weekly address:
This week is National Small Business week, which celebrates entrepreneurs and small business owners as key components of our nation’s overall economic success.
These employers helped our state outpace the nation in job growth, and we’re committed to helping them realize their potential. We have a responsibility to ensure they have the support and environment they need to thrive. It’s why we’re backing initiatives like the Small Business Focus program, which encourages and enhances opportunities for small businesses, and the Small Business Assistance Program, which assists new and existing small businesses located in Delaware to understand and comply with environmental requirements easily and effectively. And I signed Executive Order 44 last spring to help small businesses successfully compete for state contracts as certified diverse suppliers.
Our efforts are paying off. The number of small businesses providing goods and services to the State continues to grow. Businesses like Barron Associates in Wilmington, owned by Pat Barron, that specialize in marketing, public relations, advertising and media buying. And Sound-N-Secure, Inc. in Milford, owned by Melissa Pingue, that provide access control systems as well as video intercom installation. We know small businesses and entrepreneurs like Patricia and Melissa play a vital role in our overall economic success. By supporting their efforts to offer needed goods and services, we encourage job growth and strengthen our economy – and that keeps Delaware moving forward.