By Calvin Goings, Regional Administrator

Every year since 1963, the President has officially designated a National Small Business Week. This is a perfect time for us to renew our commitment to small businesses in Ballard, a vital part of the backbone and foundation of the strongest, most resilient economy the world has ever known.

This year, National Small Business Week will occur from May 1 – 7, 2016. The theme this year is “Dream Big, Start Small.” Across the Puget Sound, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will recognize the role small businesses play in building thriving communities like Ballard.

Small businesses today create two out of every three new private-sector jobs and employ half of the private workforce. Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to help entrepreneurs in Ballard as they continue to drive the Puget Sound’s economy forward.

For more than 200 years, American innovation has sparked ideas that have changed the course of history and improved lives for millions. At the SBA, we are determined to ensure local enterprises continue to have the financial tools, resources, and expertise they need to succeed. Every day, SBA is working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase the global competitiveness of our local businesses.

KuKuRuZa Gourmet Popcorn on NW Market Street in Ballard is a great example of local innovation excelling on a global scale. When owner Grant Jones spent six months experimenting with different gourmet popcorn flavors in his father-in-law’s garage, he didn’t think the product would be selling in 19 locations across six countries just seven years later.

His innovation, creativity and drive – along with support from an SBA guaranteed loan and advising from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – have substantially grown his business and even earned him the honor of being named the SBA Washington State Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2015.

Small businesses like KuKuRuZa are the heart of Ballard. Together, let’s seize the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from the Ballard neighborhood.
Calvin Goings is Regional Administrator for SBA Region 10 in Seattle which covers Washington state, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.