How To Celebrate Small Businesses in April
It's that time of year to officially recognize the millions of small business owners and entrepreneurs in the U.S. — for their contributions to innovation and communities, including the economy.
Kicking off April 28, National Small Business Week is the nation's opportunity "to lift up the amazing entrepreneurs, small business advocates, local partners, advisors, lenders, and investors who support America's entrepreneurial spirit," adds SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman in a March press release.
Data from the SBA and U.S. Census Bureau indicate an estimated 33.185 million small businesses in the U.S., employing 61.7 million people, or 46.4 percent of all private sector employees.
Check out these ideas if you're looking for ways to celebrate this year's National Small Business Week.
Make it a holiday.
Let people know you want to treat NSBW from April 28 to May 4 like a special occasion.
Hype it up on social media, via email, and on your website, as well as with printed flyers at your physical store if you have one.
Find ways to make your NSBW posts compelling with tailored content, such as your origins story — like what motivated you to start your small business or create your product. Use the occasion to showcase your mission and values or your fantastic staff.
Further, be sure your NSBW messaging includes appreciation for your customers—let them know how important they are to your business's success.
Run NSBW promotions.
National Small Business Week is perfect for a special coupon or promotion that thanks customers through discounts on purchases during NSBW or in the future.
You could make store- or website-wide or create a code redeemable for specific products or services, such as new items you want to promote.
Spread the word ASAP via your email lists, website, and social media pages to let customers know it's a great time to shop at your business.
Participate in NSBW activities or create one.
Seek out events, whether in-person or virtual, that celebrate NSBW.
Look for activities aimed at bringing together entrepreneurs and small business owners or events that employees could also attend or participate in with you during National Small Business.
Among the national events is the two-day National Small Business Virtual Summit on April 30 and May 1, featuring educational webinars, exhibit booths, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms, access to federal resources, and expert business advice from SCORE mentors.
The two-day event, co-hosted by the SBA and SCORE, is free, but registration is required for total access.
The summit will also provide business owners with the opportunity to network with other owners from across the country, learn new business strategies, and chat with industry experts.
NSBW Awards
In March, when announcing this year's NSBW 2024 Award Winners, the SBA praised the recipients, including business owners, lending partners, and advocates, for their "grit and determination."
"Our 2024 National Small Business Week award winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and commitment, and the SBA is proud to showcase their incredible achievements and impact on their communities and our economy," notes Guzman in the press statement.
At the NSBW award ceremonies on April 28-29 in Washington, D.C., the SBA will honor the national and individual state winners and announce the 2024 National Small Business Person of the Year.
Other NSBW events include the SBA's "roadshow tour" from April 30 to May 3, during which Guzman will visit Manchester, N.H., Milwaukee, Wis., Denver, Colo., and Billings, Mont., to honor award-winning small businesses and discuss SBA initiatives and opportunities for the small business community.