Celebrating Resilience: The Phoenix Award for Disaster Recovery Efforts and the Crucial Role of Small Businesses in Our Economy

In recognition of the vital role that small businesses play in our economy, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama’s 7th district will be hosting a virtual discussion on Monday, April 29th at 3 p.m. CDT to kick off National Small Business Week. The event will feature Ms. Jackie Smith, the owner of The Coffee Shoppe in Selma, who will be receiving the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2024 Phoenix Award for Outstanding Disaster Recovery Efforts at a special ceremony in Washington D.C. next week.

During the virtual discussion, Rep. Sewell and Ms. Smith will highlight the barriers that Ms. Smith has overcome as a small business owner and the crucial role that small businesses play in our economy.

For over 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has been celebrating National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, National Small Business Week will take place from April 28th to May 4, 2024, honoring the hard work, creativity, and dedication of small businesses and their impact on the economy.

Ms. Smith’s story is an inspiration to many aspiring entrepreneurs as she overcame numerous challenges while building her successful coffee shop in Selma, including fierce competition from larger chains and natural disasters that threatened her business.

Representative Sewell’s virtual discussion with Ms. Smith aims to showcase how small businesses can overcome adversity and contribute positively to their communities despite facing numerous obstacles along the way.

The event will be streamed live on Sewell’s official Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for those interested in attending virtually or watching later on-demand.

Overall, this year’s National Small Business Week serves as a reminder of how important it is to support local entrepreneurs and their efforts in creating thriving communities across America while promoting economic growth and development through innovation and resilience among small business owners like Jackie Smith from Selma’s The Coffee Shoppe who have overcome great obstacles to succeed against all odds!