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Franklin City Council voted unanimously Monday, April 28, to adopt a proclamation pertaining to National Small Business Week that established May 4-10, 2025, as Small Business Week in the city.

The Southampton County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday, April 22, to adopt a similar resolution on behalf of the board for the county.

At the board’s meeting, Franklin Southampton Economic Development Inc. (FSEDI) President and CEO Karl T. Heck said, “This resolution is one we bring every year to honor our small businesses in the community.”

The Franklin proclamation for National Small Business Week was part of Franklin City Manager Rosylen Oglesby’s report during the April 28 council meeting.

“The city of Franklin has many small businesses that contribute to our economy, and we just want to show our support,” she said.

Franklin Mayor Paul Kaplan read the city proclamation aloud just prior to the council’s 7-0 adoption vote. The proclamation is written as follows:

“Whereas, America’s strongest economic growth has been driven by the resilience of our small businesses who continue to pioneer innovative solutions to our country’s greatest challenges and create opportunities for families and workers; and,

“Whereas, from the storefront shops that anchor Main Street to the high-tech startups that keep America on the cutting edge to the small manufacturers driving our competitiveness on the global stage, small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the cornerstones of our nation’s promise; and,

“Whereas, when we support small business, jobs are created, and local communities preserve their unique culture and vibrancy; and,

“Whereas, because this country’s more than 34 million small businesses create nearly two out of three new jobs in the United States, we cannot resolve ourselves to create jobs and spur economic growth in America without discussing ways to support our entrepreneurs; and,

“Whereas, the president of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week every year since 1963 to highlight the programs and services available to entrepreneurs through the U.S. Small Business Administration and other government agencies; and,

“Whereas, the City of Franklin Council hereby supports and joins in this national effort to help America’s small businesses do what they do best — grow their business, create jobs and ensure that our local communities remain as vibrant tomorrow as they are today

“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the city of Franklin proclaims May 4-10, 2025, as Small Business Week and call this proclamation to the attention of our citizens in order to celebrate and support our city’s small businesses and entrepreneurs.”

Kaplan presented the proclamation to Heck, who was present at the council meeting.

In a written report within the council meeting packet, Heck noted that the city supports small businesses through its support of the Franklin Business Center and FSEDI. 

“This proclamation supports our local small businesses and FSEDI’s efforts to attract and develop small businesses in the city of Franklin, including the Franklin Business Center, STARTUP Franklin Southampton and our annual Small Business Saturday program,” the report stated.

The report also indicated that FSEDI hosts an annual National Small Business Week event at the Franklin Business Center to honor small businesses.

During the April 28 meeting, Heck noted that this event will be held Friday, May 2, from 7:30-8:45 a.m. and will feature Hampton Roads Chamber President and CEO Bryan K. Stephens.

Heck indicated that anyone who can attend can sign up by reaching out to Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Madison Berryman at madison@fsachamber.com.