National Small Business Week: Ways to Celebrate in 2024

National Small Business Week is April 28 – May 4 this year, and it’s a perfect time for small business owners to celebrate their achievements, connect with their communities and look forward to new growth opportunities.

99.9% of American businesses are small, with the number totaling 33,185,550 in 2023. Essential to the nation’s economy, America’s small businesses contribute significantly to innovation, employment and community development. This week is dedicated to recognizing that impact and the relentless spirit of entrepreneurship.

Here are some ways small business owners across America can celebrate National Small Business Week.

How to Celebrate National Small Business Week

1. Host Community Events

Events can engage your local community and bring people together. Consider hosting workshops, open houses or networking events that showcase your products or services. Gatherings like these can serve as a platform for educating the community about what you do. At the events, you could learn more about your customers’ needs and build stronger relationships.

2. Run Special Promotions and Offers

National Small Business Week is an excellent opportunity to attract new customers and reward loyal ones. You could offer special discounts, limited-time offers or bundle deals exclusive to this week. Promotions can not only drive sales but also generate excitement and encourage customers to engage with your brand.

3. Partner with Other Local Businesses

Collaboration is key to community strength. Partnering with neighboring businesses can cross-promote each other’s products and services. Joint events or cross-promotional offers can introduce your business to new audiences and foster a sense of solidarity among your local small business community.

4. Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for reaching your customers. You could create a special campaign for National Small Business Week that includes daily posts, live sessions, and interactive content like polls or Q&A sessions. Share your business’s story, celebrate milestones, and highlight your team to personalize your brand and deepen connections with your audience.

5. Give Back to the Community

Consider using National Small Business Week to give back to your community. You could organize or participate in community service projects, sponsor a local event or donate a portion of your week’s profits to a local charity. Acts of goodwill not only contribute to the community but also reflect positively on your business.

6. Offer Customer Appreciation Perks

Express gratitude to your customers for their support with special appreciation perks. This could be anything from a thank-you note included with a purchase, a freebie for visiting your store or an invitation to an exclusive event. Personal touches go a long way in building loyalty and appreciation.

7. Invest in Your Online Presence

Take this time to refresh your website, update your online listings or improve your e-commerce platform. An attractive, user-friendly online presence is crucial for attracting and retaining customers.

8. Host Educational Webinars or Workshops

Offer value beyond your products or services by hosting webinars or workshops on topics related to your industry. Educating your audience positions your business as a knowledgeable leader in your field and fosters a community of engaged, loyal customers.

9. Reflect and Set Goals

National Small Business Week is a great time to reflect on your journey and set goals for the future. Consider what has worked well, what challenges you’ve faced and where you want your business to go. Engage your team in this reflection and goal-setting process to ensure everyone is aligned and motivated. An annual operating plan can be a good way to do this.

Resources for Small Businesses

For U.S. small business owners, resources are available to help with everything from legal information to networking and skill development.

Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA is a U.S. government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. It offers a wide range of services including loan programs, business planning and guidance on government contracting. The SBA also has a network of local offices offering personalized advice.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week for over 60 years. Activities for 2024 include awards and a virtual summit.

SCORE: A nonprofit association supported by the SBA, SCORE offers a large network of volunteer business mentors. These experts provide free confidential business counseling and training workshops to small business owners. SCORE mentors can assist with business planning, operational strategies, financial management and marketing.

For National Small Business Week 2024, Score will co-host a virtual summit with the SBA.

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB): The NFIB is an advocacy organization representing small and independent businesses in the U.S. It offers its members benefits such as legal assistance, insurance and resources for business management, In addition, it advocates for small business interests at the state and federal levels.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs): SBDCs are partnerships primarily between the government and colleges/universities administered by the SBA, providing free and low-cost consulting and training to small business owners. They help with business planning, access to finance, marketing strategies and other areas of business management.

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs): Aimed specifically at female entrepreneurs, WBCs provide a range of services including business training, counseling and mentoring. They are designed to level the playing field for women entrepreneurs, who face unique challenges in the business world.

Favorite Ways to Celebrate

“We kick off the week by sharing our story and recent accomplishments on our website’s blog and on our social media platforms. It’s imperative to me that our customers know they’re buying from a local small business and how their support contributes to the success of our company.”

Connor Butterworth, CEO & Owner
Southwestern Rugs Depot

“I am one of those lucky people who runs a business in a thriving community. The small business owners near me genuinely support each other. This connection goes beyond following each other on our social business profiles.

“Instead of individually promoting our businesses, we dedicate a special corner in our shop to celebrate another local business. Some put up a hall of fame like a board while others dedicate an entire corner, as I do. This section highlights their history, and contributions to our community and encourages customers to support them. I believe this culture goes beyond a simple shoutout. It’s a reflection of our collective spirit and the strong sense of community we’ve built together.”

Tim Hopfinger Lee, Founder
Tim’s Coffee

“Small Business Week is a favorite time to appreciate how far my company has grown. I celebrate by having an appreciation lunch for my team, increasing our social media presence to highlight the business, and attending local events. Supporting other entrepreneurs in the community is important, whether through networking events or online shoutouts. The week allows me to bond with my team, gain new insights, and reignite my passion after another year of hard work. Celebrating wins big and small provides gratifying motivation to keep pushing forward.”

Lisa Rehurek, Founder & CEO
The RFP Success Company