From Adversity to Triumph: A Virtual Panel Discussion on National Small Business Week and the Story of Selma’s Award-Winning Small Business Owner Jackie Smith

On Monday, April 29 at 3:00 PM CDT, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell of Alabama’s 7th District will host a virtual panel discussion to kick off National Small Business Week. The discussion, titled “Shooting for Success: The Story of Selma’s Award-Winning Small Business Owner Jackie Smith,” will feature Ms. Jackie Smith, owner of The Coffee Shoppe in Selma. During the event, Representative Sewell and Ms. Smith will highlight the obstacles Ms. Smith has overcome as a small business owner and the critical role small businesses play in our economy.

The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has been celebrating National Small Business Week for more than 60 years to recognize the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. This year, National Small Business Week will take place from April 28 to May 4, 2024 and honors the hard work, creativity and dedication of small businesses and their impact on the economy.

Ms. Jackie Smith is an outstanding example of a small business owner who has faced challenges but persevered through them all. In recognition of her disaster recovery efforts, she will receive the US Small Business Administration’s prestigious Phoenix Award during a special ceremony in Washington next week. The award is given to small business owners who have overcome significant adversity or natural disasters and have successfully rebuilt their businesses through hard work and resilience.

The virtual discussion hosted by Representative Sewell will be streamed live on her official Facebook, Twitter and YouTube pages, allowing people from all over the country to tune in and learn more about the challenges faced by small business owners like Ms. Smith and how they contribute to our economy