Small Business Week 2009 kicks off on 19 October 2009, championing the opportunities, resources and support structures available to smaller enterprises and budding entrepreneurs.

Between 19-23 October 2009, business experts from a range of government, business, independent and regional influencers will explore how the UK’s 4.7 million small businesses can ‘Be equipped to succeed’.

The week launches with an event at the BT Tower in London hosted by Lord Digby Jones, former director general of the CBI and Peter Jones the accomplished entrepreneur and dragon from TV’s Dragons Den.

This year, small businesses have set the agenda for Small Business Week by contributing to the 2009 Business Pulse, the UK’s largest ever survey of small businesses. It is commissioned by BT Business, NatWest, British Chambers of Commerce, Business Link, ACCA, everywoman and supported by The Design Council, LSC, and the Prince’s Trust.

The 2009 Business Pulse will measure the health, drivers and inhibitors to successful business across the UK. The findings will highlight the support smaller businesses need from commercial and non-commercial organisations and underpin events, roundtable discussions, web seminars and advice clinics across the UK during the week.

Bill Murphy, managing director, BT Business said, “Many businesses are having a tough ride at the moment but in lean times it’s easier for many of them to see exactly where they need help. We’ve asked them to tell us in the 2009 Business Pulse so that some of the UK’s best business experts can advise them. We look forward to seeing you at Small Business Week 2009.”

Each day of Small Business Week has a specific theme:

• Monday looks at what businesses have said in the 2009 Business Pulse;
• Tuesday is about being Equipped to Succeed in any climate;
• Wednesday is about being Equipped to Compete, how to get noticed and win business;
• Thursday will help business Innovate to Win by thinking differently and
• Friday is Fit for Tomorrow: Fit to Thrive, securing your business’ future.

For the first two days of Small Business Week, 19 and 20 October 2009, BT Business will also be hosting its Business Experience exhibition at the BT Tower, specifically created to show businesses how the very latest technology and business thinking can help them manage their costs, market their business more effectively and make them more competitive in the current environment. Places should be booked through the Small Business Week website, www.sbw09.co.uk. Due to security procedures, only people who book ahead will be admitted into the BT Tower.