This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Small Business Week. Although things have certainly changed since President Kennedy signed the first Presidential Proclamation in 1963, one thing that hasn't changed is America's entrepreneurial spirit and the important role that small business owners play in our economy and our communities.

This week, President Obama has continued America's tradition of honoring the spirit and success of American small business owners by proclaiming June 17–21 to be 2013's National Small Business Week. Small businesses have always been the backbone of our economy, and we know that the success of America's small businesses is critical to growing our economy and increasing our nation's global competitiveness… read more from Small Business Administration blog post.

In his proclamation, Obama called upon all Americans to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the competitiveness of the American economy with appropriate programs and activities. The following is Presidential Proclamation—National Small Business Week 2013.

In America, we believe that anyone willing to work hard and take risks can get their good idea off the ground and into the marketplace. It is a notion that has made our Nation bold and bright, and the best place to do business for generations—from small-town storefronts to pioneering startups that keep our country on the cutting edge. This week, we celebrate America's entrepreneurial spirit, and we recommit to helping our small businesses get ahead.

My Administration has been a proud partner in that important work from day one. We have cut taxes for small businesses 18 times, broadened their access to capital, and provided billions in loans so they can grow and hire. We have helped companies break into new markets abroad and export their products all over the world. Every step of the way, we have focused on making Government work better for business through initiatives like Startup America and BusinessUSA—groundbreaking programs that connect entrepreneurs to resources that can spur their success… (read more)

For information on starting a small business, please visit the Science, Industry and Business Library, New York Public Library. In this business library (SIBL), Small Business is WHAT WE DO BEST. SIBL is a premier public business library with comprehensive print materials, e-resources, and services for start-ups and established businesses seeking expansion.

The New York Public Library with its sponsor, the Citi Foundation,host New York StartUP 2013 Business Plan Competition for New York-based startup entrepreneurs with cash prizes totaling over $30,000.

SIBL's NYC Small Business Resource Center, smallbiz.nypl.org, links business owners to Small Business Events and Training Calendar NYC and Services Directory —Help for your Business.

If you are interested in starting a small business, SCORE counselors can assist you on a one-on-one basis in preparing a business plan, applying for a business loan and more. SIBL also provides database classes and programs for starting a small business. All these are free to the public on a first come first seated basis.

SIBL also provides Conference Room Rentals and a Small Group Meeting Room.

The Science, Industry and Business Library is located at 188 Madison Avenue and 34th Street.