Happy National Small Business Week!

National Small Business Week is celebrated in the United States during the first week of every May, so this year Small Business Week is May 2nd to the 8th.

National Small Business Week is a huge celebration for all the small businesses in the United States and is more important than you might think. Did you know that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business? And that small businesses create nearly two out of every three new jobs each year? An even crazier fact is that small businesses outnumber corporations 1,162 to 1. 

The U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week for more than 50 years and each year the celebration is getting bigger and bigger! Small businesses are the backbone of America, so here are some ways you can celebrate small businesses during National Small Business Week:

1. Order Local

Celebrate by ordering local or stopping in for a bite at your favorite restaurant, coffee shop, cafe, and more this week! Be sure to share a picture on social media of the yummy food, drinks, and treats with the hashtags #SupportSmallBusiness and #SmallBusinessWeek

2. Nominate Your Favorite Small Business for a Small Business Award

Most local and state governments have small business awards, so look into how you can vote or nominate your favorite small businesses to be highlighted within your community. This can help them be found by new customers and become a staple in your community!

3. Show Off a Small Business Online

Consider creating a post with why you love small businesses in your area, or writing reviews on Google or Facebook to let others know why they should check them out! Not only is it free to do, but it can help people feel a personal connection to their local small businesses and want to see what they have to offer.

4. Buy a Gift for Someone

Whether it is a gift card for future use, something that reminds you of a family member or friend, or even a gift for yourself, buy something from a local or online small business and gift it! This can be a great way to get others to learn about small businesses in your area that they might have never heard of.

5. Get them seen for FREE

Simply follow their social media accounts, invite others to follow, and share their posts to help get others to find them for FREE! Liking, sharing, and commenting is a free and easy way to get your favorite small businesses in front of new people online.

6. Be Understanding

During these tough times small business owners can have a lot going on not only within their business but in their personal lives. Be understanding with them and their employees as we are all human. If you know someone who owns a small business, check in on them and see how they are doing, they will surely appreciate it.

Although National Small Business Week only happens once a year, there is never a bad time to support small businesses. Continue to support small businesses whenever you can!

“When you support a small business, you support a dream.” – Anonymous