Mentors can play a crucial role in the trajectory of a small business through guidance, support and encouragement. Mentors are often industry experts or business professionals who share their insights and knowledge of the industry to help entrepreneurs navigate the ever-changing challenges of business ownership to make more informed decisions.

As the global marketplace continues to rapidly grow and change, small businesses in the United States are considering ways to expand their reach and operations as they emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), nearly 96% of all consumers live outside the United States, while two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries.

This article originally appeared on Forbes.com Rohit Arora, Forbes.com Contributor Each year since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week, which in 2018 spans from April 30 – May 5. The Small Business Administration (SBA), which provides services through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, is the driving force behind Small Business Week. The agency provides access to training and mentoring programs, assistance in exporting, and, importantly SBA funding for startups and growing companies.