Jack Bienko, COO of the Small Business Administration, discusses why social media is great for entrepreneurs and the importance of National Small Business Week, hosted in D.C. from May 18th-May 20th.
WashingtonExec: What is your background?
Jack Bienko: I studied Urban Planning + Public Policy in grad school before working in the non-profit sector and starting with SBA as a Presidential Management Fellow. I’ve been exposed to public and private-sector innovations throughout my career by working on inter-governmental efforts and national partnerships.
WashingtonExec: How would you describe your current role and responsibilities?
Jack Bienko: My team works with organizations such as SCORE and other national brands to provide physical and digital tools to help entrepreneurs start, grow and succeed.
WashingtonExec: What are some of the new programs/offerings available in your department?
Jack Bienko: We’re expanding our successful “mini-MBA” program for urban and Native American entrepreneurs across the US, entitled the “Emerging 200”. Our team is also leveraging new tech platforms to bring business education via mobile, tablets, ebook readers … basically pushing ourselves to make these resources as accessible as possible. We will also be announcing new initiatives for young entrepreneurs soon.
WashingtonExec: You use social media a lot. What’s your view on how entrepreneurs can use social media to help grow their business?
Jack Bienko: Entrepreneurs’ use of social media is almost endless … finding customers, connecting to business partners, recruiting talent, serving their community, researching market opportunities … and more each day! SBA is also using social media to strengthen our communication with entrepreneurs. We’re on major social networks sharing information, listening, gathering ideas, connecting customers with resources, and working with our government peers to best serve small business owners.
WashingtonExec: What is something most small business owners would be surprised to learn about the SBA?
Jack Bienko: SBA supported early start-ups such as Nike, AOL, Calloway Golf, FedEx, Quizno’s, and others. SBA, along with our finance and training partners, have a served millions of small businesses for almost 60 years.
WashingtonExec: Tell us about National Small Business Week. Why is important and who should attend?
Jack Bienko: National Small Business Week is an annual celebration where the Federal government awards leading small business owners and advocates with national honors. SBA is proud to host the event along with many corporate and trade association partners. Each year, these impressive businesses from each state remind us all that small business is truly the engine of the economy. Major activities are hosted in Washington DC during May 18-20, 2011. You can register to attend, or watch webcasts, at www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com
WashingtonExec: What is something most people don’t know about you?
Jack Bienko: I’m one of four “Jacks” in my immediate family.