Make the Most of National Small Business Week
National Small Business Week takes place May 4-10, 2026, making it he perfect time to celebrate the millions of small businesses that power our economy and strengthen our communities. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recognize the vital role entrepreneurs play in creating jobs, driving innovation, and building trust in the marketplace.
Running a business is no small feat. Every day, local business owners rise to meet challenges, adapt to changing market conditions, and find meaningful ways to serve their customers and their communities.
“Small businesses don’t just drive the economy, they help shape the character of our communities,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB, East Texas. “Small Business Week is a great reminder to support and celebrate the people behind those businesses.”
According to the SBA, small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses, making them a cornerstone of economic growth and local identity.
BBB encourages business owners to make the most of National Small Business Week by:
Tap Into Tools and Resources for Growth. BBB is committed to supporting small businesses and the communities they serve. Through BBB hosted local workshops and networking events, and through BBB’s biz HQ, businesses can improve their practices, learn about the newest trends, and engage with other businesses. BBB also provides resources for those who are starting a new business.
Invest in Your Team. Employees are at the heart of every successful business. From frontline staff to leadership, each team member plays a critical role in delivering customer experience and building your reputation. Recognizing and showing appreciation to team members:
- Boosts morale and retention
- Strengthens company culture
- Enhances customer trust and satisfaction
All of which ultimately results in a higher performing team. Consider celebrating Small Business Week with a gesture of appreciation which reinforces how much your team contributes to your success.
Amplify Your Message. Small Business Week is a great time to increase visibility and connect with your audience. You can:
- Use hashtags like #SmallBusinessWeek in your social media posts
- Share your origin story and mission
- Feature team members and loyal customers
- Post behind the scenes content
Consider working with a professional marketing company. This will free you up to focus on other key areas of your business.
Show Appreciation to Your Customers. Your customers are your biggest advocates. A genuine “thank you” builds loyalty and strengthens relationships. You might:
- Offer limited-time promotions or discounts
- Host a customer appreciation event
- Share personalized messages of gratitude
Optimize your BBB Profile. Your BBB Business Profile is a powerful tool for building credibility and attracting new customers. BBB reports on all businesses in the United States and Canada, and with tens of millions of potential customers going to bbb.org every month, it’s important to make sure the information on your Business Profile is current. A strong profile demonstrates your commitment to trust, honesty, and integrity.
When small businesses succeed, communities thrive. Small Business Week is a reminder to support the businesses which support us and to continue building strong, trusted relationships year-round.
ABOUT BBB: The Better Business Bureau has empowered people to find businesses, brands, and charities they can trust for over 110 years. In 2023, people turned to BBB more than 218 million times for BBB Business Profiles on 5.3 million businesses, and 80,000 times for BBB charity reports on about 12,000 charities, for free at BBB.org. The International Association of Better Business Bureaus is the umbrella organization for the local, independent BBBs in the United States and Canada. BBB Serving Central East Texas was founded in 1985 and serves 19 counties in East Texas.