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114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Janice Bowling

Recognizes May 4–10, 2025 as National Small Business Week in Alabama and commends small businesses for their role in job creation and community impact.

Action deferred in Senate Judiciary Committee to 3/17/2026

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Purpose and intent

SJR 79 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing May 4–10, 2025, as National Small Business Week and formally commending Alabama’s small business owners, entrepreneurs, and workers for their contributions to the state and national economy. The resolution highlights small business growth, export activity, and demographic participation (veterans, women, minorities), and encourages public support and awareness.

Key provisions

Officially supports the designation of May 4–10, 2025, as National Small Business Week in Alabama.

Commends Alabama small business owners and entrepreneurs for their role in job creation, local revitalization, and charitable activity.

Urges all Alabama residents to take six specific actions:

Celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of Alabama and U.S. small business owners.
Understand the importance of a small-business–friendly climate for sustained economic recovery.
Recognize small businesses as the backbone of the economy.
Support increasing consumer awareness of the value small businesses bring to communities.
Note that 66% of small businesses volunteer or donate to local charities.
Support increased access and resources for minority-owned and underserved firms.

Expresses general encouragement to recognize small businesses’ contributions to Alabama’s and the nation’s economic growth.

Data and findings cited (as stated in the resolution)

Over 449,024 small businesses in Alabama.

Small business owners employ 46.7% of Alabama’s private sector workforce; small businesses constitute 99.4% of Alabama businesses.

Alabama small business employment up nearly 10% over the past 25 years.

U.S. small business exports: $648.5 billion (35.7% of U.S. exports); Alabama small firms exported over $4.4 billion.

8.1% of Alabama small business owners are veterans.

Women: 47.5% of Alabama small business workers and owners of 45.1% of small businesses.

Minorities: 32% of Alabama workers and own 26.4% of businesses.

Two out of every three new U.S. jobs are created by small businesses.

Who is affected / impact

Primary: Alabama small businesses, entrepreneurs, employees, and local communities (symbolic recognition, no regulatory change).

Secondary: Consumers, minority-, veteran-, and women-owned firms (highlighted for outreach and resource access).

Practical effect: None on law, funding, or regulatory obligations — the resolution is ceremonial and intended to promote awareness and public support.

Procedure and timeline

Filed / Received by Senate Secretary: March 14, 2025

Read/First referred: March 25, 2025 (referred to Business & Commerce)

Transmitted to House and considered by Rules: April 24–29, 2025

Enrolled and delivered to Governor: April 29, 2025

Enacted: May 6, 2025

Note: The resolution was adopted by voice vote in the legislature and does not create enforceable legal obligations or appropriate funds. Its principal effect is public recognition and encouragement of supportive actions for small businesses.

Bill

Summary — SJR 79 (Enacted)

Purpose and intent

Key provisions

Data and findings cited (as stated in the resolution)

Who is affected / impact

Procedure and timeline

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