Small business makes our community

National Small Business Week comes to an end tomorrow on May 4. The Temple Chamber of Commerce was excited to join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in honoring and celebrating our local small businesses alongside the nation’s 33 million small businesses!
 
Small business owners and entrepreneurs form the backbone of our econ­omy. According to the Texas Small Business Profile published by the SBA, in Texas alone, small businesses (those employing 100 or fewer) make up over 99% of all businesses in the state.
 
We invite you to join us in celebrating and recognizing the positive and invaluable contributions of Temple area small businesses and entrepreneurs, not just this week but throughout the year. 
 
Their impact is monumental. From job creation to enhancing city revenues and championing civic causes and initiatives, they enrich our community’s vitality. Research from the National Philanthropic Trust and Charities Aid Foundation indicates that small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to nonprofits and community causes per employee.
 
Small businesses make our community a vibrant place to live and work. The small businesses and entrepreneurs of Central Texas are one of the driving factors that our region is a prime business destination in Texas. 
 
We were fortunate to collaborate with regional Chambers of Commerce - Belton, Salado, Killeen, Jarrell, Lampasas, Copperas Cove, Round Rock, Waco, and Georgetown – as well as the SCORE Austin Chapter to have a Small Busi­ness Seminar on Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Bell County on Wednesday, May 1, during National Small Business Week. 
 
The seminar provided a unique platform for small business owners, budding entrepreneurs, and members to learn more about the transformative potential of Generative AI in enhancing business operations. Jessica Scanlon with Round Rock-based Hot Dog Marketing led the discussion. She introduced the concept of Generative AI, shared versatile uses of AI in small businesses, and demonstrated tactical ways to use a Generative AI tool, ChatGPT.
 
The Temple Chamber extends gratitude and admiration to our vibrant small business community that enriches Central Texas and is here to support and empower them as they thrive in Central Texas.