With National Small Business Week set for May 4-10 this year, entrepreneurs are making plans to join agencies, events, communities, and customers in an official nod to the more than 34 million small businesses in the U.S.

It was a presidential proclamation in 1963 that set aside NSBW to recognize small business owners and entrepreneurs for "their hard work, ingenuity and dedication, including their contributions to the economy," the SBA explains.

"More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, creating about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year," says the agency in a press release.

"Every day, they're working to grow small businesses, create good jobs, drive innovation, and increase America's global competitiveness." 

More than two-thirds of respondents (68 percent) told the 2025 Business Leaders Outlook survey by Chase Insights they believe small businesses "will continue to be the driving force of economic growth, reflecting confidence in their resilience and adaptability."

Further, 66 percent of small business owners predict higher sales in 2025 and 67 percent said they expect higher profits in 2025, according to the survey.

Here are 4 ideas on how you can mark NSBW in May, including ways to shine a light on your small business — and draw new customers.

Create Special Promotions

Come up with a promotion for a product or service that can be used only during National Small Business Week.

A restaurant, bakery, or other food business, for example, could tie an NSBW celebration theme to a special price for a menu item, whether an entree, appetizer, or dessert. If you own a coffee shop or bar, you could create a signature drink in honor of NSBW.

"National Small Business Week is a great opportunity to remind customers, prospects and your community that you're in business, that you're an important part of the American economy and that you're an important part of the community, "says Jim Conroy, CEO of the Neat Co., in an Entrepreneur article.

Create and Share Merch

This could be just the occasion for your business to bring some merch into the mix, a shirt, mug, cap or button with your name on it. 

This is perfect if you already have business merch on hand. Maybe offer at a discounted price or free to customers who make a purchase during NSBW.

If you decide to print up something new, you could even go beyond your logo and business name and incorporate NSBW or a "celebrate small business" theme, with the idea that they'd have a shelf life for future promotions, too.

Join a Community Event

Look for scheduled NSBW events in your local community, such as those sponsored by a Chamber of Commerce or other business networking group.

There are also events aimed at helping small business owners and entrepreneurs during NSBW, including those hosted by a Small Business Development Center or a business accelerator partner at a university or college. 

Further, consider joining an online NSBW event, like the 2025 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit hosted by the SBA and SCORE. Set for May 6 and 7, the summit is an opportunity to "connect, learn and thrive," featuring expert-led learning seminars and interactive exhibits and networking. Registration is free. 

Team Up

See if another business owner wants to partner with you for an event or promotion in recognition of NSBW.

It's a good opportunity for small businesses to team up at a physical location to draw customers in to both. Potential partners might be a store that sells products or services complementary to yours, or someone with a shop located near yours or in the same shopping district. 

"Displaying a 'we're-all-in-it-together' front to the community adds good feelings and keeps shoppers and customers in the neighborhood," writes Conroy in the Entrepreneur article.