According to MSNBC, small businesses and entrepreneurs are the driving engine of economic growth, responsible for 60 to 80 percent of all net new jobs.  These jobs are community-based and are not typically the types of jobs that are outsourced. In addition, as tougher economic times are upon us, it is becoming crucial to retain earnings within the community. The role of the entrepreneur becoming increasingly important, as small businesses play a large part in driving growth and wealth creation in any region.

This spring the Empowerment Group will host their fourth annual Entrepreneurship Week. The week-long event, held from April 20 to April 25, will provide key resources for budding entrepreneurs and celebrate the achievements of community businesses, and the entrepreneurs behind them. Throughout Entrepreneurship Week 2009, the Empowerment Group will offer a myriad of programs that will aid entrepreneurs, whether they are starting or growing a business in the Philadelphia Region, by providing them with skills and knowledge needed to succeed.

Entrepreneurship Week was established in 2006 and, with a successful annual turn out, continues to produce quality workshops and programs for the emerging and established entrepreneur. “A lot of new programs will be introduced to the line up, including ‘Finding Funds to Fuel Your Business’. We also are hosting a Small Business Resource Fair, which is back by popular demand,” says Emily Smith, Special Events Coordinator at the Empowerment Group.

The Empowerment Group is a non-profit organization with a vision to sustain and enrich communities by cultivating local entrepreneurship in the Greater Philadelphia Region. Established in 1998, The Empowerment Group has launched various programs such as the “Women Entrepreneurs’ Circle,” Entrepreneurship Training Course,” “One-on-One Consulting” and a “Youth Entrepreneurship Program.” With the belief that small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, the Empowerment Group continues to work towards giving entrepreneurs the tools and motivation to succeed.

The events planned this year are geared towards providing entrepreneurs with networking opportunities, panel discussions, marketing workshops and resources needed to run a successful business. A seminar entitled “Get Noticed: Creative Marketing Strategies,” held at the Helium Comedy Club, will impart marketing skills and strategies that will help small businesses stand out from the crowd. Entrepreneurs will also have opportunities to network at events such as the “Women Entrepreneurs’ Circle.”

Entrepreneurship Week will culminate with a day long “Shop Philly!” that will be held all across the small businesses in Philadelphia. “Shop Philly!” will encourage patrons to shop locally, keeping shopping dollars in the community. There are currently 270,000 people employed in small businesses in Philadelphia and for every dollar spent on small businesses, up to 50 cents is retained in the community. To encourage patrons to shop locally, businesses will provide discounts, deals, or featured items. “This is a shopping incentive to encourage citizens to support their local business districts. The participating districts are New Kensington, El Centro De Oro and Mt. Airy,” says Smith.

As part of Entrepreneurship Week, the Empowerment Group will also spotlight entrepreneurs and small business owners from the Philadelphia Region that have displayed excellence in their industries. Among them are Bill and Nancy Barton, founders of the Philadelphia Brewing Company, and Napoleon Garcia, founder of local newspaper Impacto Latin Newspaper. These entrepreneurs have displayed fortitude in adversity and are the catalysts for positive change. Many of the featured entrepreneurs, like Robin Schimpf who manages the El Bar in Fishtown, had enrolled in courses hosted by the Empowerment Group and used their resources to grow their business in the region.

All events during Entrepreneurship Week 2009 are free and open to the public. “People are often shocked to find that there are free resources available for them in Philly. There is a wealth of resources for business owners, especially during Entrepreneurship Week,” says Smith.

For more information about Entrepreneurship Week 2009, visit www.entrepreneurshipweek.com.