(FORTUNE Small Business) – We've got a lot to celebrate this month. Not only does this issue complete our first full year as Fortune Small Business (FSB), it also enables us to make a sizable donation to charity and to bring attention to an important topic--philanthropy. As you know, small business owners are responsible givers, donating their time and money in a variety of ways. Turn to our Special Report on Philanthropy on page 68 to see how today's entrepreneurs are giving back.

Thanks to those of you who responded to our April Philanthropy Poll, FSB is proud to make a $25,000 donation to the American Cancer Society, your collective charity of choice. The ACS is a nationwide, community-based health organization dedicated to eliminating and diminishing suffering from this disease through research, education, advocacy, and service. To find out more, please visit www.cancer.org.

October also marks the opening of the SBA/Cisco Systems/ San Jose Entrepreneur Center, which promises to be an invaluable training and technology facility for Silicon Valley and Bay Area entrepreneurs. FSB is the sole sponsor of the training room at the center, which offers essential seminars. Please visit www.ecenteronline.org for more information.

Finally, I'd like to give you a sneak peek. Next month's issue includes "Heroes of Small Business," a highly anticipated look at our nation's most influential entrepreneurs. Our editors will review the hall of famers who have shaped how we do business today.

Please join me in a toast to the growing influence of small business owners. Your successes and community contributions are heroic indeed.

Cordially, KATHLEEN H. KAYSE Publisher