To help small businesses and startups get through the tough economic times, Network Solutions has announced that it will host the first-ever GrowSmartBiz Conference.

The conference, which will be held in Washington D.C. on September 29, will feature speeches, panels, group learning discussions and networking opportunities focused on helping small businesses grow effectively and efficiently.

Founded in response to the results of the Small Business Success Index - an ongoing measurement of the health of small businesses commissioned by the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, in partnership with Network Solutions - the conference will focus on three key areas of success for small business growth: access to capital, marketing and innovation and computer technology.

In addition the keynote speech, given by Wired magazine editor-in-chief Chris Anderson, the panels and discussions will feature best practices of successful small businesses, strategies for business growth despite the recession, cost-effective marketing tools, insight from banks about the best ways to secure small business financing, and ideas for using social media to propel business growth.

The impact of supporting small business growth will be felt throughout the economy, as small businesses create 60 to 80 percent of the country's new net jobs, according to the Small Business Administration.