Sam's Club invests big in small business

WASHINGTON — Sam's Club has pledged more than $2 million in donations to nonprofits supporting small business growth. The announcement was made by Sam's Club president and CEO Rosalind Brewer.

"At Sam's Club our small business owners are our partners, and we want to put our money where our mission is — which is to be agents for and support our members and the small business community," said Brewer, addressing guests at the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year awards luncheon at the Shoreham Hotel. "I realize that I have an incredible opportunity to lead Sam's Club and to be an advocate for our small business owners in America. You are the heart and soul of our economy, and no one takes more risks and works harder every single day than those of you who are out there following your dreams and running your own businesses."

The luncheon was part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Summit, an annual event that draws small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the country to discuss common legislative and management concerns. More than 800 small business owners are attending the summit. Sam's Club is a diamond sponsor of the event.

The organizations receiving funds are:

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  Accion in the U.S.: $520,674;

  
  


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  Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED): $349,545;

  
  


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  Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence: $750,000;

  
  


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  National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders: $250,000; and

  
  


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  Step Up for Small Business Challenge: $200,000.