Fort Wayne, Ind. - Local entrepreneurs will get tips on how to build credit, connect with potential customers, build a solid business plan and much more at an information booth set up at One Summit Square Wednesday and Thursday, June 19 and 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Wednesday, the small business information booth will be part of the Fort Wayne Farmer's Market and on Thursday it will be part of Lunch on the Square. Free samples from local small businesses will be offered to individuals who visit the booth.
"Small businesses are a driving force of our local economy," said Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry. "I applaud all the entrepreneurs who are taking risks and making sacrifices to build their businesses, support their families and employ area residents."
The outreach is part of National Small Business Week, which runs June 16 -- 21. Locally, the week is being celebrated by several organizations that serve small businesses: the Urban Enterprise Association, the Community Development Corporation of Northeast Indiana, the Northeast Indiana Small Business Development Center, the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce, and CANI's Center for Community and Economic Development.
According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses represent 97.4 percent of all Indiana employers and employ 48.2 percent of the state's private sector labor force.
Also on Wednesday, Deputy Mayor Mark Becker will read a proclamation issued by Mayor Henry declaring June 16 -- 21 Small Business Week in Fort Wayne. He will read the proclamation at 11:30 a.m. at One Summit Square.