Principal^® small business event highlights importance of leveraging technology for business growth

Principal Financial Group^® and the Small Business Digital Alliance (SBDA) are hosting a conversation with small business leaders to explore the connection between a sustainable business model and the implementation of digital tools.

The panel, taking place on National American Business Women’s Day, will include key national and local female leaders including Isabella Casillas Guzman, 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Marianne Markowitz, CEO, First Women’s Bank, and Kitty Whitfield, manager, small business engagement, Downtown Detroit Partnership. The panel will be moderated by Amy Friedrich, president of U.S. Insurance Solutions at Principal^®.

“The pandemic transformed the way businesses operate. Businesses continue to make significant investments in technology to reach their customers and interact with employees,” said Friedrich. “Public-private partnerships, like the SBDA, are key to promoting solutions that help employers access the tools they need to protect their employees, reach their customers, and run their business.”

The discussion will center on the need for greater financial inclusion, and how small business owners can find the right solutions to attract and retain talent and grow their business. Digital tools make it easier for small business owners to evaluate alternatives that make sense for their situation—and make it easier to implement and maintain once a selection is made.

“SBA’s Small Business Digital Alliance is working to ensure that entrepreneurs in every community in America are ready to take advantage of digital tools and resources to start, grow, operate, and build resilience,” said Administrator Guzman. “With strong partners like Principal, we’re working to improve success outcomes for small businesses, especially those from underserved communities across the country. From accelerating e-commerce and social media strategies to strengthening workforce with online tools, we are meeting businesses where they increasingly are—online.”

The SBDA is a co-sponsorship agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Business Forward, Inc., a non-profit organization working with small business leaders in support of policies promoting America’s economic competitiveness. The coalition brings together major players, influencers, and companies in financial services, tech, e-commerce, benefits, and other industries to help connect small businesses with digital tools, trainings, and expanded opportunities, and grow their digital networks to reach new customers.