Celebrate National Small Business Week 2025

Each May, the spotlight turns to the heartbeat of the American economy: small businesses. National Small Business Week was established by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to honor small business achievements, promote the significance of small businesses to the national economy, and provide valuable resources and recognition to foster their continued growth and success. In this article, we give you some ideas on how you can meaningfully celebrate National Small Business Week 2025.

Why National Small Business Week 2025 Matters

National Small Business Week 2025 (May 4–10) is more than just a call for celebration—it’s a chance to recognize the grit, creativity, and resilience millions of entrepreneurs bring to our communities daily. Whether you're a small business owner, a consumer, or a community advocate, now is the perfect time to reflect on the value of local small businesses and take actionable steps to support them.

The Impact of Small Businesses in the U.S.

Small businesses comprise 99.9% of all businesses in the United States and employ over 45% of the U.S. workforce as of May 2024. They spark innovation, keep dollars circulating locally, and bring character and connection to neighborhoods. When you support small businesses, you're not just buying a product or service—you're investing in families, dreams, and the future of your local economy.

6 Meaningful Ways to Celebrate Small Business Week 2025

1. Shop Local—and Spread the Word

The simplest way to support small businesses is to shop with them regularly, not just during Small Business Week. Go a step further by:

• Sharing your experience on social media and tagging the business
• Writing positive online reviews on Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor
• Buying gift cards for future use or gifts
• Telling friends and family about your favorite local spots

Pro tip: Create a "Shop Local Challenge" for yourself or your workplace—see if you can stick to shopping small for the week.

2. Attend Local Small Business Week 2025 Events

Many cities host community events, pop-up markets, and educational workshops during Small Business Week 2025. These gatherings offer great networking opportunities for business owners and fun ways for consumers to engage directly.

• Check with your local Chamber of Commerce or city's economic development office
• Bring friends to a neighborhood crawl or independent maker market
• Participate in small business webinars or roundtables
• Consider supporting veteran-owned businesses by searching the Veteran Owned Business Directory

If you're a business owner, consider collaborating on a cross-promotion or hosting an event to drive foot traffic.

3. Donate Your Skills or Time

Not everyone can shop, but everyone can support. Offer your talents:

• Graphic design, web development, or marketing support
• Business coaching or mentoring through SCORE or SBA programs
• Volunteering for community business events or fundraisers

If you're a fellow entrepreneur, reach out to a new or struggling small business and ask, "How can I help?"

4. Advocate for Pro-Small Business Policies

Your voice can make a difference beyond your wallet:

• Advocate for local zoning laws, small business grants, or reduced permitting barriers
• Write to your local representatives about issues affecting small businesses
• Attend city council meetings to support small business-friendly initiatives

Advocacy can help create long-term sustainability for entrepreneurs—and healthier local economies.

5. Celebrate the Entrepreneurs in Your Life

Know someone running a small business? Use Small Business Week as a time to show some love:

• Leave a testimonial
• Give them a shoutout online
• Refer them to friends or colleagues

It costs nothing to encourage someone who's working to keep their dream alive.

6. Educate and Inspire Others

Share stats, stories, and articles about the importance of small businesses:

• Post infographics or quotes during Small Business Week 2025 or throughout Small Business Month
• Share "why I love this business" stories
• Teach kids or students about entrepreneurship
• Host a lunch-and-learn at work on "how to support small businesses"

The more people understand the real impact of shopping small, the more likely they are to do it.

Final Thoughts: Make Small Business Support a Year-Round Habit

Celebrating Small Business Week 2025 is about more than one-time gestures—it's about building long-term habits that help sustain local economies and empower the people who take risks to follow their passion. Whether you're buying a latte from a local café or mentoring a startup owner, your actions matter. Let's turn this week of celebration into consistent, meaningful support for small businesses all year long.

When small businesses succeed, we all win. Acrisure is a champion of small businesses. We offer support with expertise in small business industries and business and insurance solutions. If you are a small business owner looking for the right solutions for your small business, request a small business insurance quote online today to get started.