If you want to know about the major issues facing small business a new survey by the National Small Business Association makes it clear. The top two are ones that I know well; the cost of healthcare and the amount of time I spend just trying to figure out regulations.

This past week there were celebrations across the country for National Small Business Week to draw attention to the entrepreneurial spirit that still exists today despite the challenges that loom large. The week officially kicked off last Sunday at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. There were the expected speeches and of course awards for everything including: SCORE Chapter of the Year, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award, Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award, Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year and more.