National Small Business Week is an annual event dedicated to recognizing the contributions of small businesses to the economy and local communities. And for good reason — small businesses employ 45.9% of American workers, and make up 43.5% of the country’s gross domestic product.
In 2025, this celebration will take place from May 4 – May 10. It’s the perfect time for entrepreneurs, customers and communities to honor and support their favorite small businesses that play a pivotal role in driving innovation and job creation. Let’s go over some ideas to help your business stand out and celebrate National Small Business Week:
Ideas to Celebrate Small Business Week
1. Host community events.
Engage with your local community by organizing events such as “Shop Local” open houses, workshops or networking gatherings. These local events can showcase your products or services, provide value to attendees and strengthen community ties. For example, hosting a workshop on a topic related to your business can attract potential customers and establish your expertise in the field.
2. Run special promotions and offers.
Attract new customers and reward loyal ones by offering exclusive discounts, limited-time offers or bundled deals during Small Business Week. Promote these marketing strategies through various channels to maximize reach. For instance, consider creating a “buy one, get one free” offer or providing a discount to customers who refer friends to your business.
3. Start a marketing campaign.
Leverage the momentum of Small Business Week by launching a targeted marketing campaign. Utilize email newsletters, blog posts and press releases to highlight your business’s story, values and contributions to the community. Consider pitching a podcast, or running a new advertisement in the local newspaper. Sharing customer testimonials and success stories can also enhance your brand’s credibility and appeal.
4. Partner with other local businesses.
Collaborate with neighboring small businesses to create joint promotions or events. This partnership can expand your reach, attract diverse customer bases and foster a supportive business environment. For example, a local café and bookstore could team up to host a reading event with special discounts for attendees.
5. Leverage social media.
Utilize social media platforms to engage with your audience by sharing behind-the-scenes content, customer shout-outs and other interactive social media posts. Use hashtags like #SmallBusinessWeek to increase visibility and connect with a broader audience. Consider running social media contests or giveaways to encourage user participation and generate buzz around your brand.
6. Give back to the community.
Demonstrate social responsibility by organizing charitable activities such as fundraisers, donation drives or volunteering events. Giving back during Small Business Week not only supports the community but also enhances your business’s reputation year-round. For instance, pledging a percentage of your sales during Small Business Week to a local charity can resonate with socially conscious consumers.
7. Offer customer appreciation perks.
Show gratitude to your customers by providing special perks like loyalty rewards, gift cards, free samples or personalized thank-you notes. Acknowledging their support creates loyal customers and encourages repeat business. Hosting a customer appreciation day with exclusive deals or events can make your patrons feel valued and appreciated.
8. Invest in your online presence.
Enhance your digital footprint by updating your website, optimizing for search engines and ensuring your online listings are accurate. A strong online presence makes it easier for customers to find and engage with your business. Consider adding an e-commerce component to your website to reach customers beyond your local area.
9. Shop from other small businesses.
Support fellow entrepreneurs by purchasing goods or services from other small businesses. This practice fosters a sense of community and can lead to reciprocal support. Additionally, featuring products from other local businesses in your store can provide variety to your customers and strengthen business relationships.
10. Host educational webinars or workshops.
Share your expertise by offering webinars, virtual summits or workshops on topics relevant to your industry. These sessions can attract potential customers and position your business as a knowledgeable resource. For example, a bakery could host a virtual baking class, providing value to participants and showcasing their products.
11. Learn more about business.
Take advantage of Small Business Week to educate yourself and your team. Attend seminars, webinars, or conferences to gain insights and strategies to improve your operational effectiveness. The U.S. Small Business Administration often hosts events during this week that can provide valuable information and networking opportunities.
12. Invest in business growth.
Consider reinvesting in your business by upgrading equipment, expanding your product line, or enhancing employee training. Investments in growth can lead to increased efficiency and customer satisfaction. Evaluating your business processes and identifying areas for improvement can set the stage for long-term success.
13. Say thank you to your team.
Recognize the hard work and dedication of your employees by expressing appreciation through gestures like team lunches, awards or public acknowledgments. A motivated team is essential to your business’s success. Consider implementing an employee recognition program to regularly celebrate achievements and milestones.
14. Reflect and set goals.
Use this time to assess your business’s progress and set future objectives. Reflecting on achievements and identifying areas for improvement can guide your strategic planning. Setting specific, measurable goals can provide direction and motivate your team to strive for continuous growth.
When is Small Business Week 2025?
National Small Business Week 2025 is scheduled for May 4 through May 10. During this week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will recognize the hard work, ingenuity, and dedication of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate their contributions to the economy and local communities.
What is Small Business Week?
Established over 60 years ago by the U.S. Small Business Administration, National Small Business Week honors the vital role of small businesses in the nation’s economy. The week-long event during the first week of May includes activities such as educational workshops, networking events and recognition ceremonies to celebrate the achievements of local small business owners, startups and entrepreneurs.
Small business owners sound off: How do you celebrate Small Business Week?
Doubling the reward points; donating to food pantries.
“At Traverse Bay Farms, we’re excited to celebrate Small Business Week by showing appreciation to our customers and highlighting the benefits of small locally owned businesses like ours.
Here [we] are celebrating the following [ways]:
#1: Doubling our customer reward points on our website when customers make an online or over the phone purchase.
#2: Doubling our in-store customer reward loyalty punch cards, by providing two pouches for each purchase, rather than just one normally.
#3: Donating our gourmet food products to local food pantries to show support for our local community.
#4: Offering fresh coffee and product samples of our nationally award-winning gourmet food products in each of our two retail stores.
#5: Both of our retail stores will be offering additional value-added bag stuffers including branded pens, recipe cards and an in-store drawing for our most recent cookbook.”
Andy LaPointe, Founder
Celebrating their team with lunch or bonuses.
“We kick things off by celebrating our team, whether that’s with a team lunch, a surprise bonus, or just making sure they know how much they’re appreciated. Good work deserves good recognition, and our crew puts in the hard yards every day.”
Ryan Gregor, Owner & Head Electrician
Recognizing clients and employees to build business and loyalty.
“Our celebration consists of launching a local business promotion that grants discounted appraisal services to nearby companies. Our company dedicates time to acknowledging several dedicated clients through social media and email communications. The promotional activities during last year’s National Small Business Week resulted in a 13% rise of potential clients initiating contact with our company to obtain equipment appraisal assessments.
We hold a small appreciation celebration for our team inside the company which includes awarding accomplishments while showing appreciation to contributors. Using such events enables us to appreciate our staff members while developing a constructive organizational environment. The combination between promotional offers and employee engagement is my recommended strategy to build local recognition during this week.”
Tracie Crites, Chief Marketing Officer
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. OnDeck and its affiliates do not provide financial, legal, tax or accounting advice.
Article Contributors
Andy LaPointe
Traverse Bay Farms is a health and wellness company that has won 42+ national food awards at America's largest and most competitive food competitions. We started in our gourmet food company in 2001. We own two retail stores in Northern Michigan. Our gourmet food products are distributed in 42 states across America, our website and several online marketplaces. I am also a consultant helping entrepreneurs to launch and grow their brands.
Ryan Gregor
Ryan Gregor, the founder of RCG Electrical, has over a decade of experience in the electrical field, driven by a lifelong passion for understanding and harnessing the power of electricity. His expertise spans residential, commercial, and solar electrical solutions, positioning RCG Electrical as a trusted and innovative provider in the industry.
Tracie Crites
Tracie Crites is the Chief Marketing Officer of Heavy Equipment Appraisal, where she has driven the brand's growth through her expertise in marketing strategy and dedication to transparency. With over a decade in leadership, Tracie ensures clients understand the company’s commitment to unbiased, dealer-independent valuations, distinguishing Heavy Equipment Appraisal in the industry. Known for her approachable communication style, Tracie created resources like the “Equipment Appraisal 101 Infographic” to demystify complex valuation topics for clients. Her impactful work solidifies trust and credibility in the heavy equipment appraisal landscape.
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