5 Innovative ways to celebrate National Small Business Week

National Small Business Week is April 30 – May 6, 2023, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). If you run a small business all year round, here are some ways you can take advantage of this week.  

1. Attend the NSBW Virtual Summit 

The two-day National Small Business Week Virtual Summit will be held May 2 -3 and is hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE. Best of all, it’s free! 

One of the most challenging things about being a small business owner is connecting with others who share the passion, excitement, and, yes, the struggle of being a business owner. At the NSBW Virtual Summit, you can connect with other business owners and industry experts, and you can learn new business strategies. Plus, you don’t have to leave town – it’s all online.  

2. Lean into social media 

Social media is the great equalizer when it comes to marketing. While you may not be able to keep up with the ad budgets of your bigger competitors, organic social media is a level playing field. Take advantage of it by posting early and often, and by building your following by encouraging your customers to follow you, and by following them in return.  

Related: Small business social media tips from an expert 

3. Join forces with other small businesses 

Working with other businesses that serve the same clientele you do, but do not compete with you, is a great way to broaden your reach. Consider joint promotions or other marketing programs that can do double duty.  

Here’s an example. A local flower shop might partner with a nearby restaurant (or more than one!) to offer a discount on a dinner for two, or a free dessert to share, with the purchase of a bouquet of flowers. In return, the restaurant could offer their patrons a coupon for the flower shop.  

To find the right businesses to partner with, look for the places where your customers also shop, but that don’t offer the same types of products that you do. If you really want to get ambitious, engage a group of businesses in a local area to form a coalition  

4. Take advantage of available resources 

This is something small business owners can do year-round, not just during National Small Business Week. There are a lot of resources available to help small businesses, and many of them are available just for the asking. The SBA has access to loans to help you start or expand your business. America’s SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) offer low- and no-cost advising, workshops, and more. SCORE business mentors draw on their business experience to help those starting out.  

Related: How America’s SBDC can help your small business 

Even if you’ve been in business for years, there’s always something new to learn. Getting advice and mentorship from an experienced business owner – even if you are one yourself – is a great way to get a fresh look at your business, including what you’re doing right and what you could do even better.  

If you’re looking for a way to expand your business, you may not have to dip into your savings or take out a loan. Look into grants for small businesses – there are many, but you need to know where to look. There are grants specifically for woman-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and more. There are also grants for those in specific industries, like food service or non-profits.  

Related: Free money! Grant opportunities your small business can qualify for now 

5. Don’t forget your employees 

Staff at small businesses often have to wear multiple hats so everything gets done. They may have to work extra hours during busy periods, or pitch in when someone is on vacation. National Small Business Week is a great time to recognize the employees that keep your small business running smoothly.  

Related: 6 Non-financial ways to reward employees for great work 

Whether you’re celebrating your business’s size as it is or looking to grow, make sure you have the right business insurance coverage. Business insurance safeguards you from the risks you can’t see coming, so you can take the right risks that help your business thrive and grow. Get an instant quote, and protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build.