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Celebrate Small Business Week

May 5, 2021

Small Business week started May 2 and continues till May 8th. We all see small businesses in our town and city or may even know a small business owner. Shopping local and small has always been important but the world dealing with a global pandemic in 2020 showed all of us just how important shopping at local or small businesses really is.

QA Graphics is a small business with a global presence. Starting out in 2006 with just 3 employees, growing to now a 14-employee business. Becoming a leader in the industry and expanding into a full-service design firm.

“I think our dedicated staff, both past, and present is what drives this steady growth and support from industries we service,” said Dan McCarty, president of QA Graphics. “It is exciting to have created a successful business that is profitable and self-sustaining, as well as creative and relaxed.”

Originally posted from QA Graphics’ interview with the State Secretary Small Biz Salute: https://www.qagraphics.com/smallbizsalute/

What Is Small Business Week?
Small Business Week is a week meant to highlight the importance of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the United States.

Why Does Small Business Week Take Place?
Small Business Week takes place because small businesses are of vital importance to local economies as well as the economy of the United States. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, according to the SBA.

Where Does Small Business Week Happen?
Small Business Week is celebrated nationally and can be celebrated anywhere a small business is found.

When Does Small Business Week Happen?
Since 1963, the first week of May has been designated as NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK. This is a time to recognize the critical contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Facts About Small Businesses:

There are 30.7 million small business in the USA (SBA, 2019)
Did you know that the definition of a small business varies across the world?
- USA – The Small Business Administration (SBA) defines a small business as a firm that has fewer than 500 employees.
- European Union – any business that has fewer than 50 employees is considered a small business.
- Australia – companies with fewer than 15 employees are considered small businesses.
Small businesses create 1.5 million jobs and account for 64% of new jobs created in the US. (Fundera, 2019)
55% of people say their biggest motivation for opening their own business is being their own boss (Guidantfinacial, 2019)
39% of respondents said that they choose to open their own business is to pursue their own passion.

Covid-19 has taken a hard hit on many small businesses and showed a large spotlight on how important it is to support your local and other small businesses.

Covid-19 rendered 31% of small businesses in the US currently non-operational (Facebook, 2020)
With over 70% of US businesses shut down in March 2020 as society went into lockdown due to government or health authority.

QA Graphics Was Selected As A Communicator Award Winner

May 5, 2021

QA Graphics, a full-service digital design company, is a recipient of an Award of Distinction in the Virtual Tours – Online Video category for their Virtual Reality Tour of the District of Prairie Trail. The Communicator Awards is the is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring creative excellence for communications professionals. Winners were selected from over 6,000 entries throughout the United States and around the world.

“Awards like this for us is about showcasing our work, displaying the level of work this Iowa company is capable of producing for our client’s. Competitions like the AMCP receive thousands of submissions from across the globe. Competing with and being grouped as a winner with big brands such as UFC, PepsiCo, Forbes, WWE, Microsoft, Comcast, and Disney Creative Studios is an honor,” says Dan McCarty, Owner of QA Graphics.

The Videographer Awards is an international competition, recognizing outstanding production and communication professionals who excel in the scope of their own environment. Winners are selected from 166 categories grouped under video production, web-based production, and television production. AMCP judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

“The work entered into this year’s 27th Annual Communicator Awards is even more impressive. than in seasons’ past. This year’s entries are a truly stellar embodiment of our “Communication is everything” tagline,” noted Eva McCloskey, managing director of the AIVA. She added, “On behalf of the Academy, I would like to thank all of this season’s entrants for their willingness to produce such boundary-pushing, effective and outstanding work.”

To view QA Graphics’ Virtual Reality Tour Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tX1vr9v5DCE&t=27s

To view other winners, visit: communicatorawards.com/winners/gallery/

We’d Like to let You Know of Our New Service Available

March 27, 2018

Affordable Web Development

QA Graphics is proud to announce the formation and partnership of QA Web, providing unique web development and design for small businesses. QA Web is a joint effort between Solvent Web and QA Graphics.

QA Graphics role will capitalize on their eleven years of design services, project management, and sales/marking expertise. Solvent Web’s high demand for website design will free them up to focus their eight years of expertise in providing high-quality web development and maintenance services.

The Goal for Creation of QA Web:

To offer affordable, well-built websites for small to medium size businesses, as this is an area of struggle for owners alike.

Areas of Services

Custom Development

When we build your site, we take the long view. Your site’s security, performance, and ease of maintenance are paramount to us.

Web Development

To us, design is so much more than “making things look pretty.” We can help you define your brand, and we’ll never overlook the importance of usability and performance.

SEO & SEM

Attracting visitors is one of the biggest challenges for new site owners. We have the experience and skills to make your site launch a success.

Iowa State Secretary’s Small Biz Salute on QA Graphics

October 5, 2017

Originally Posted by the Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate:

As Iowa’s business portal, we’re giving today’s #SmallBizSalute to QA Graphics. Knowing he wanted to start his own business one day, owner Dan McCarty learned as much as he could in 13 years of working for other companies. “I took all that knowledge and applied it to starting QA Graphics when I saw the opportunity,” Dan explained. With very rapid growth soon after the company first opened, Dan found himself “chasing the shiny penny” and growing very rapidly. Since then, he has learned to focus on the core of QA Graphic’s strengths, and invest in individuals that strengthen the company. Watch below to learn more about what makes Dan, and QA Graphics, so special.

QA Graphics Welcomes Jessica Johnson

June 21, 2016

QA Graphics is pleased to announce the hiring of Jessica Johnson as the company’s new Content Marketing Manager.

At QA Graphics Jessica will work closely with the sales and production team to develop marketing strategies directed towards our target customers to further expand the company’s initiatives and ensure a consistent brand. She will direct QA Graphic’s marketing efforts by being responsible for managing and implementing email marketing campaigns, as well as managing social media outlets, assisting with website updates, writing blog posts, and creating other communication pieces

Prior to beginning at QA Graphics, Jessica worked as the Marketing Coordinator for a non-profit based in Ames, Iowa. She was responsible for website management, handling social media accounts, communication piece creation across the state, and the development of the marketing program. After joining the non-profit, Jessica earned her Bachelors of Science in marketing and with a minor in advertising from Iowa State University, where she also completed several internships in the marketing industry.

QA Graphics is excited to welcome Jessica to the team!

To talk with Jessica and to learn more about QA Graphics please contact here at [email protected]