Who knew when David Steward first walked into the U.S. Small Business Administration St. Louis office to ask for assistance that he would become the owner of the largest African-American privately-owned company in the world? Actually, some of the staff at the SBA who first helped him and remember his drive and determination are not surprised. And Steward clearly remembers February 2, 1992, as the date he reached out to the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program: “You remember the dates that changed your life,” he says.
Now, anyone can be inspired by Steward’s story and learn his business building management skills firsthand at an upcoming event on June 19 in St. Louis. Steward, founder and CEO of World Wide Technology, Inc., will share the stage with the U.S. Small Business Administration Administrator, Karen Mills, and discuss his journey to shepherd this small logistics/transportation audit company into a market-leading systems integrator providing technology products, services, and supply chain solutions, with $5 billion plus in revenue. Their armchair discussion at Harris Stowe State University highlights one of four National Small Business Week events being held throughout the United States.
The all-day, free SBA event is open to the public and takes place at Harris Stowe State University. The day offers panel presentations by experts on building supply chains, finding capital, the Affordable Care Act, entrepreneurial resources, and entrepreneurship for new Americans.
“This is a great opportunity for small business owners and entrepreneurs to get to learn about David Steward’s small business success story,” said Natalia Olson-Urtecho. “SBA and our resource partners are able to provide assistance to small business owners for every stage of their journey from establishment and through growth and have resources for every step.”
Those wishing to attend events in St. Louis can register online at 2013nsbwstlouis.eventbrite.com/.
Every year since 1963, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight through National Small Business Week the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. This year’s events will be held
June 16-21, in Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. offering tips, tools and trainings for small businesses to start, succeed and grow. In addition to in-person events, small business owners can participate in online-only panel discussions on hot topics like social media and business financing starting daily at 4pm ET. All events, in-person and online, will be streamed live on www.sba.gov/smallbusinessweek. Also visit this site for a full schedule of events and additional information. The event hashtag is #SBW2013.
