Today in Small Business History – April 24th

🕰️ April 24: The Library of Congress was founded, Apple unveiled the iMac, the USPS launched the Forever Stamp, the Hubble Space Telescope was deployed, and Instagram introduced shopping tags for small retailers.

1. Library of Congress Founded (1800)

On April 24, 1800, the Library of Congress was established by an act of the U.S. Congress on April 24, 1800

✅ Why It Matters:
The Library of Congress preserves innovation, IP, and public knowledge—empowering generations of creators and small business owners to learn from history and build forward.

🔎 Fact Check:

✅ Correct: The Library of Congress was founded on April 24, 1800, by congressional act signed by President John Adams.
📚 Source: Library of Congress Official History

2. Apple Unveils the iMac (1998)

On April 24, 1998, Apple introduced the first iMac, a translucent, colorful all-in-one computer that signaled the company’s design-first comeback under Steve Jobs. It helped rebrand Apple and attracted a younger, style-conscious user base.

✅ Why It Matters:
The iMac showed how aesthetics and user-friendly design can differentiate even in crowded markets—a principle many small businesses now build into their products.

🔎 Fact Check:

✅ Correct: Steve Jobs unveiled the iMac on April 24, 1998, with a planned ship date of August.
📚 Source: Apple Event Archives

3. USPS Introduces the Forever Stamp (2007)

On April 24, 2007, the U.S. Postal Service introduced the Forever Stamp, which allowed consumers to buy postage that would always remain valid regardless of future rate increases.

✅ Why It Matters:
This pricing innovation simplified customer experience and reinforced trust—two goals any small business should aim to achieve with their offerings.

🔎 Fact Check:

✅ Correct: The USPS launched the Forever Stamp on April 24, 2007, with the Liberty Bell design.
📚 Source: USPS Postal Facts Archive

4. Hubble Space Telescope Deployed (1990)

On April 24, 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched into orbit by the space shuttle Discovery, transforming astronomy and public interest in science.

✅ Why It Matters:
Hubble’s launch was a triumph of vision, collaboration, and persistence—reminding small business owners that long-term investments and bold missions often bring transformative returns.

🔎 Fact Check:

✅ Correct: NASA deployed the Hubble Space Telescope on April 24, 1990, during mission STS-31.
📚 Source: NASA Hubble Archive

5. Instagram Launches Shopping Tags for Small Retailers (2018)

On April 24, 2018, Instagram expanded its Shopping Tags feature to small businesses, allowing them to tag products directly in posts and stories, turning the platform into an e-commerce engine.

✅ Why It Matters:
This update gave small brands direct access to mobile-first commerce, lowering barriers to entry and increasing visibility in a crowded digital marketplace.

🔎 Fact Check:

✅ Correct: Instagram opened Shopping Tags to small businesses globally on April 24, 2018.
📚 Source: Instagram Business Blog

📚 What This Means for Business:

April 24th brings together knowledge, design, tech innovation, and retail evolution. From Apple’s stylish iMac to Instagram’s digital storefronts and the founding of the Library of Congress, today’s milestones reflect how vision and simplicity drive lasting impact for small businesses.

✍️ Written by:
Dr. Ethan Fairbanks, M.B.H. (Master of Business History)

🎯 Tags:

#Small Business History #Apple iMac #Instagram Shopping #USPS Forever Stamp #Library of Congress #Hubble Telescope