Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honors the contributions of small business owners through National Small Business Week (NSBW).
This year, the celebration takes place from May 4-10, 2025, offering a fantastic opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect, learn, and grow.
What is National Small Business Week?
For over 60 years, National Small Business Week has been an annual event recognizing the significant impact small businesses make on the economy. Led by the SBA, NSBW highlights the creativity, resilience, and hard work of entrepreneurs across the United States.
National Small Business Week 2025 promises an engaging lineup of educational events, awards ceremonies, and networking opportunities, both online and in-person. It also serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements of small businesses and their role in driving economic growth.
Why should small business owners participate?
Participating in National Small Business Week provides several benefits for entrepreneurs:
- Access to Expert Resources: Gain tools, insights, and information from seasoned professionals to overcome business challenges.
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with mentors, industry leaders, and fellow business owners.
- Learning and Growth: Attend workshops and sessions designed to help you innovate and thrive.
- National Recognition: Shine a spotlight on your achievements and contributions to your community.
What’s on the schedule for National Small Business Week?
This year’s schedule is packed with exceptional events designed to empower business owners and entrepreneurs. Key highlights include:
Virtual Summit (May 6-7)
A two-day online event featuring expert-led sessions, mentoring opportunities, and peer-to-peer networking. Topics range from safeguarding your digital infrastructure to leveraging AI for business growth.
Example Topics:
- “Money Matters: Mastering Payment Methods” (Sponsored by Visa)
- “The Future of Commerce 2025” (Sponsored by Square)
- “Building a Foundation for Online Marketing Success” (Sponsored by Constant Contact)
Award Ceremonies
Celebrate small businesses recognized for their innovation, resilience, and contributions to local economies. View past award winners who continue to inspire across industries.
Exhibit Hall & Mentorship Rooms
During the virtual summit, explore the exhibit hall to connect with key sponsors like Google, Amazon, and T-Mobile. Additionally, visit mentoring rooms to receive personalized advice from SCORE mentors.
How to Prepare for National Small Business Week
To make the most of National Small Business Week, it’s important to prepare in advance. Follow these steps to ensure you get the most value out of the event:
1. Register for events early.
Make the virtual summit a priority, as it offers free access to an incredible amount of expertise. Sessions often provide actionable strategies you can implement immediately.
2. Identify your business goals.
What do you hope to achieve by participating? Whether it’s meeting potential collaborators, learning about e-commerce strategies, or securing funding advice, knowing your goals will help you prioritize sessions.
3. Take advantage of networking opportunities.
Networking is one of the most valuable aspects of NSBW. Utilize peer-to-peer rooms and discussion forums during the virtual summit to make lasting professional connections.
4. Leverage free resources.
From mentoring sessions to keynotes, National Small Business Week provides countless freebies to help you scale your business. Take notes, download resources, and actively participate.
How National Small Business Week Boosts Economic Growth
Entrepreneurs and small businesses consistently drive innovation and create new opportunities worldwide. According to the SBA, small businesses in the U.S. account for:
- 44% of U.S. economic activity[1]
- Two-thirds of net new private-sector jobs[2]
- 99.9% of all U.S. businesses[3]
By celebrating National Small Business Week, communities and business leaders alike recognize these essential contributions and pave the way for innovative trends.
