A Guide to Celebrating Small Business Week

Mark it on your calendar — Small Business Week is Sunday, May 5 – Saturday, May 11, 2019!

Wondering how to celebrate it this year? Here’s the background on Small Business Week and a list of events you don’t want to miss.

What’s it all about?

In 1963 President John F. Kennedy started Small Business Week to recognize how important small businesses are to the American economy. Since then, U.S. small businesses owners have enjoyed workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA). And, it gets better and better every year!

Check out what Small Business Week 2019 has in store for you:

Sunday, May 5

Kick the week off by joining the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) live Facebook events.

4:00 PM EST — Next Wave in Digital Commerce Workshop

Monday, May 6

Sign back onto the SBA’s Facebook page to catch these events:

10:30 AM EST — Social Media Tips for Your Small Business Workshop

Tuesday, May 7

All day — Part 1: Free Virtual Conference

On Tuesday the SBA is hosting a free virtual conference. No matter where you are, you can chat with industry experts, network with other business owners, and learn the latest strategies to acquire new business.

Live conference webinars include:

• The U.S. Economic Outlook and Its Impact on Small Businesses
• Making Sense of Online Marketing: A Simple Checklist for Success
• Mastering Control of Your Cash Flow
• Creating Effective Online Ads
• The Culture Imperative: Drive Growth with Customer Obsession
• SBA Funding Programs Explained
• How to do Business with the Federal Government
• Disasters Happen: How to Prepare Your Business and Recover

11:30 AM-Noon EST — Live Facebook conversation on the topic, “how to build a successful business”

SBA Administrator, Linda McMahon, and Facebook’s VP and Chief Privacy Officer for Policy, Erin Egan, are hosting a live Facebook chat from 11:30 AM to noon EST. Bring your questions!

Wednesday, May 8

All day — Part 2: Free Virtual Conference

It’s day 2 of the SBA’s free virtual conference. Make the most of this exciting event by registering today: Sign up for the conference

Thursday, May 9

Even though the SBA isn’t hosting an official event on Thursday, there’s still plenty of other events, either online or in your area. Find an in-person, local event by visiting Eventbrite and searching “small business week.” SCORE, a resource partner for the SBA, also offers live webinars. Get inspired and sign up for one.

Friday, May 10

12 PM EST — SBA Twitter chat on “How to start and grow a business”

If you’ve been wondering how to get your business started, this conversation is for you. Bring your questions and get the knowledge to kick off your business. Find the Twitter chat using the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek. Also, our very own Simply Business team will be joining in on the twitter chat too!

Saturday, May 11

Finish out the week by focusing on your own business — and connecting with your customers. Here are a few ideas:

• Share your company story. Why did you start your business? Do you have a passion for solving a particular problem or helping a group of people? Post your company’s story on your website, blog, and social media channels. Customers love to hear why you do what you do.

• Show customer appreciation. Small Business Week is the perfect time to thank your customers for their support. Try emailing them or mailing a card. Offer a coupon with your thank you — it’s a great marketing opportunity.

• Partner with other businesses. The weekend is a great time to team up with other businesses to offer a deal. For example, if you own a spa, find a local hair salon and offer a promotion together. If you’re a landscaper, advertise your services at a hardware store. Partnering with other businesses gives you greater exposure.

• Sign into social media Connect with your customers online by hosting your own Twitter chat. First, pick a day and time (perhaps on Saturday), and then write down a list of questions to get the conversation started. You’ll want to pick a hashtag and promote your Twitter chat ahead of time. Learn more about hosting Twitter chats here. They’re a great way to get to know your customers and also get useful business intel.

• Enjoy it! This goes without saying, but Small Business Week is for you, the small business owner. Take some time to reflect on the hard work you’ve accomplished. After all, it’s not easy to be a small business owner, but you’re doing it — and you’re contributing to America’s economy in an important way. Celebrate your hard work and plan ideas to keep your business thriving.