In my opinion (and having been involved in two small businesses and sold to many more), owner/managers of small businesses are typically optimistic, hard working and smart. But they also neglect networking opportunities (but are very good and them when they go) and they neglect to celebrate the success they do have. I'd like to promote the first European SME Week which takes place from May 6th to 14th 2009.

Organised by the European Commission the aim of the week is to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. Find out more about SME Week here. One Irish event is being organised online by smallbusinesscan.com.

You never know what you are missing unless you come along. Networking is now more important than ever.