Next week is the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) annual Small Business Week. For over 50 years, the SBA has used this week to recognize and celebrate the pivotal role small businesses play in the success of the country and economy. More than half of all Americans either own or work for a small business, but we often forget just how important these companies are to the fabric of society. Small Business Week is an opportunity for you to learn ways to grow your business while appreciating all the work you’ve put in already.
Here are some ways you can join us in celebrating National Small Business Week.
1. Attend the National Small Business Week Virtual Summit.
Celebrate Small Business Week by immersing yourself in all things small business. At this free, online conference, you’ll learn business strategies, meeting other small business owners, and hear from industry leaders. The conference runs from Monday, May 2nd to Thursday, May 5th and you can register for it here.
2. Shop Small. Shop Local.
We always encourage everyone to shop small and local businesses when they can. This week, make even more of an effort to support other small businesses. Whether it’s grabbing groceries from a mom and pop down the street, ordering art from a local artist, or grabbing dinner at your favorite dive, it’s easy to help small businesses in your area succeed.
3. Get active on social media.
Promote Small Business Week on your social media channels. Use the week as an opportunity to share the story of your business and promote yourself. Talk about what being a small business means to you and thank your customers for their support. If your audience is in the know, they’ll want to support you even more during #SmallBusinessWeek.
4. Educate yourself.
Use Small Business Week as the excuse you’ve been needing to spend some time learning new skills. The Temple SBDC offers free, virtual trainings on a wide variety of topics to help you improve your business. Learn anything from social media marketing to bookkeeping to podcasting. Taught by industry experts and business specialists, our trainings are sure to help you master the skills you need, for free. Check out all our upcoming webinars here.
5. Chat with a consultant for free.
We offer no cost consulting for startups and established businesses alike. While going to private small business consultants can cost thousands, at the SBDC you can meet with our experienced consultants for free. When you register for consulting, you’ll be matched with a specialist based on your industry, time in business, and goals you’d like to achieve. Our consultants are some of the best in the business and have helped thousands of clients from Philadelphia, Eastern Montgomery, and Lower Bucks counties start or grow their small businesses. To sign up for free consulting, click here.
6. Treat yourself.
Small business owners are notorious for overworking, often grinding 7 days a week. While the hustle is respectable and often necessary when running a business, it’s important to take some time for yourself every once and a while. During this year’s Small Business Week, do something just for you. Get a massage, take a long hike, or just spend a night in with a good book or a fun movie. Reflect on all your hard work and reward yourself!
The Temple SBDC thanks small businesses for all the contributions they make. We wish you a wonderful Small Business Week and hope you try some of these ways you can get involved.