Every year since 1963, the president has officially designated a National Small Business Week. This is a perfect time for us to renew our commitment to small businesses in Bellevue, a vital part of the backbone and foundation of the strongest, most resilient economy the world has ever known.

This year, National Small Business Week occured from May 1–7. The theme this year is “Dream Big, Start Small.” Across the Puget Sound, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will recognize the role small businesses play in building thriving communities like Bellevue.

Small businesses today create two out of every three new private-sector jobs and employ half of the private workforce. Now, more than ever, we have an opportunity to help entrepreneurs in Bellevue as they continue to drive the Puget Sound’s economy forward.

For more than 200 years, American innovation has sparked ideas that have changed the course of history and improved lives for millions. At the SBA, we are determined to ensure local enterprises continue to have the financial tools, resources, and expertise they need to succeed. Every day, SBA is working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase the global competitiveness of our local businesses.

In fact, a Bellevue small business will be recognized during National Small Business Week as the recipient of the 2016 SBA Washington Exporter of the Year Award. Sequoia Scientific, Inc. — which develops scientific instruments used to measure particles in water and analyze sediment — was selected due to its increased profit and employment growth from export sales.

Small businesses like Sequoia Scientific are the heart of the Bellevue community. Together, let’s seize the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from the city of Bellevue.

Calvin Goings is regional administrator for SBA Region 10 in Seattle, which covers Washington state, Oregon, Idaho and Alaska.