Despite the dismal economic reports, Michigan indeed has cause to celebrate. Everywhere you look there are shining examples of small business men and women who are creating economic opportunities for themselves, their families and their communities. These entrepreneurs are building a future today through hard work, commitment and ingenuity. The entrepreneurial spirit of America is robust and strong, and small businesses are thriving.

Today, the nation’s small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all employers, are creating 75 percent of our economy’s net new jobs and employ half the country’s private work force. A key factor behind these statistics is the work of the U.S. Small Business Administration, which has been lending a hand to the nation’s entrepreneurs since 1953. Through its technical, financial, contracting and disaster-recovery assistance, the SBA has helped nearly 20 million businesses.

Small business is where innovation thrives. Swifter, more flexible and often more daring than big businesses, small firms lead the country in advancements that drive our country forward. They design systems to make us more productive, invent solutions to protect the environment, and develop technology to make us safer. They produce the items that line the shelves of America’s museums, shops and homes. They keep intact the heritage of ingenuity and enterprise and they help keep the American Dream within the reach of millions of Americans.

We can all celebrate the success of small business owners by buying their products and using their services whenever possible. When faced with choices, choose to support the hard work and initiative of those who are creating healthy communities through entrepreneurship. Small businesses enhance the local flavor of a community while contributing to vitality of the economy and they allow us to share in their culture and experience their craft. We celebrate the diversity that entrepreneurs bring to the marketplace and applaud the risk-taking of those who choose entrepreneurship as a way of life.

Keep an eye out for the small business champions in your community. Perhaps one of them will someday join the ranks of success stories like FedEx, Intel, Amgen and Staples, all of whom received help early on from help from the SBA. From start-up to stock offering, Main Street to Wall Street, we celebrate all.

Help celebrate Michigan’s own small business award winners at Michigan Celebrates Small Business on April 24, at the Lansing Center starting at 6 p.m. For more information and to register, please visit www.michigancelebrates.biz.