From the Chamber
Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, said Great Bend Chamber of Commerce President Megan Barfield. That is why it, along with the U.S. Small Business Administration, is celebrating National Small Business Month this May, highlighting the vital role that independent enterprises play nationally and in our community.
The Small Business Administration recently celebrated National Small Business Week from May 3-9, an annual tradition spanning more than 60 years that honors the ingenuity and dedication of entrepreneurs. The Chamber’s 550 members represent a key segment of the 36.2 million small businesses currently operating across the United States.
"Small businesses are the heart of communities like Great Bend," Barfield said. "At the Chamber, we take great pride in supporting our members who contribute to the 43.5% of the national GDP generated by small enterprises. Our successes are built on the hard work of our business community and the trust of their customers, proving that independent businesses can remain competitive and innovative even in a shifting economic landscape."
According to 2026 SBA data, small businesses make up 99.9% of all U.S. firms and employ more than 62 million people, which accounts for nearly 46% of the private-sector workforce. In the manufacturing sector, the SBA generally defines a small business as an independently owned enterprise with fewer than 500 employees.
Small businesses in Kansas are the state's economic foundation, comprising 99% of all firms and employing roughly 599,000 people, or nearly half of the state's workforce, notes information from Gov. Laura Kelly’s office. These businesses, ranging from small to large, drive local economies, with the Kansas Small Business Development Center supporting 205 new business startups and helping secure nearly $54 million in capital between October 2024 and September. 2025.
Another SBA profile says Kansas small businesses accounted for 11,342 openings and 8,190 closings between March 2022 and March 2023, contributing a net increase of 25,861 jobs.
Closer to home, Great Bend has a population of 15,850 with 27,103 residents in Barton County and a regional labor pool close to 66,000 people, Barfield said.
It lists a positive pull factor, the measure of a community’s businesses to attract retail trade compared to a state or national average, of 1.45 and an income-adjusted factor of 1.67. It also has a trade area capture of 22,480.
“These are strong retail-market indicators for a community size like Great Bend,” she said.
Barfield said the national observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the resilience of the workforce and the importance of supporting these important enterprises. By weaving these local small businesses into the Chamber’s fabric, the impact becomes a shared victory for the entire region.
According to Barfield, these contributions are more than just individual successes; "these all fit nicely into the Chamber’s ongoing five-year Elevate GBK strategic plan." This strategic roadmap ensures that the heartbeat of the community - small businesses - remains at the center of five key pillars: Community-wide collaboration on workforce development, business/people retention, membership development/support, business/community marketing and business advocacy.
While the 2026 economic outlook shows that small business owners remain cautious regarding inflation and cash flow, optimism remains high. Recent reports indicate that 81% of owners are confident that 2026 will be a positive financial year. This confidence is bolstered by a rising trend in technology adoption, with 58% of small businesses now incorporating artificial intelligence into their operations to improve efficiency.
Since 1995, small businesses have been responsible for 61% of net new job creation in the country. By participating in National Small Business Month, Fuller Industries aims to emphasize that these organizations are not just economic drivers, but essential pillars of local stability and growth.
About the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading visionary advocate and voice for the local business community, dedicated to enhancing the economic climate of the Great Bend area. Through a strategic focus on business advocacy, community marketing, and future-forward investment, the Chamber fosters an environment where existing members can reach their goals while new enterprises are welcomed and empowered to grow. By delivering high-value services and cultivating vital partnerships, the Great Bend Chamber remains committed to providing its members with the best possible impact for their investment and ensuring a thriving, connected marketplace for all. Visit greatbend.org.