April 13, 2018
National Small Business Week began in 1963. This national recognition event celebrates the contributions of America’s small business owners and entrepreneurs. Small businesses are vital to our national economy as well as our local communities. According to the United States Small Business Administration, small business owners create about two out of every three new jobs in the United States each year. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. National Small Business Week highlights the impact of these entrepreneurs and small business owners who are working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness.
National Small Business Week 2018 runs from April 29th to May 5th. Whether you own a small business, work for a small business, or just feel strongly about supporting your local businesses, we have three tips for taking part in National Small Business Week 2018.
#1: Share your story
Small business owners are some of the most passionate and dedicated people we know. It takes a lot of passion and courage to start a business; it takes a lot of determination to make that business a success! We love hearing your stories – what inspired you to start your business, what motivates you every morning when you get out of bed, how you’ve faced down challenges and conquered them. Your unique story is what makes you stand out from the competition.
Get your story out there for National Small Business Week. Share a few sentences and maybe a quick photo on social media – let the world see why you do what you do, and how you do it so well.
Use the official SBA hashtag on social media to expand your story’s reach – #SmallBusinessWeek
#2: Express your gratitude
It takes hard work and a great network of people to make a business a success. National Small Business Week recognizes your hard work – how can you pay it forward and recognize the people who have helped you along the way. Perhaps you’ve got the best employees who help you tackle the day-to-day realities of running a business. Maybe your loyal customers are always there to brighten your day. Perhaps your mentor is always there to take your call when you’re looking for advice. Maybe your family is always ready to chip in when you need them. This is the perfect time to let them know how much that matters.
Whether you tell them face to face, write a thank you card, send an email, or post photos/videos on social media, take a moment to express yourself. Some businesses express their thanks with a coupon or promotion for their customers. Whatever format you choose, it’s always great to hear a “thank you.”
#3: Invest in yourself
Take advantage of the week to invest in education for yourself and your business. There are several opportunities both local and remote for you to take advantage of this week.
Local:
Meet your North Iowa SBA representatives in person and learn about the government contracting opportunities available to small businesses on Friday April 27th (yes, this event is technically before National Small Business Week, but it’s still a great resource!). The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program helps small businesses compete for government and corporate contracts. This Meet Your Representatives event brings together five experts to help you discover how your business can make the most of this program.
Virtual:
The SBA and SCORE are offering a free Virtual Conference on May 1 – 3 with 11 different webinars for you to choose from. Topics range from financing, to social media, to addressing discrimination and harassment in the workplace, to understanding consumer behavior. Register for the National Small Business Week Virtual Conference here.
Is Twitter more your thing? Join the SBA for a Twitter Chat on Friday, May 4 at 11am Central Time. The SBA and industry experts will be sharing tip and tricks on starting and growing a small business. Join in or follow the conversation with #SmallBusinessWeek.
#4: Bonus Tip – Have Fun!
However you celebrate National Small Business Week, enjoy yourself! Small businesses make an incredible contribution to our local communities and our nation. We’re proud to work with the entrepreneurs and small businesses of rural North Iowa. Share how you’re celebrating National Small Business Week with us on Facebook or Twitter – we’d love to help you celebrate!
