With an estimated 33.1 million small businesses in the U.S., there's plenty to celebrate this year during National Small Business Week, April 28-May 4.

The estimated 33.185 million-plus U.S. small businesses employ 61.7 million people, or 46.4 percent of all private sector employees, according to U.S. Small Business Administration and U.S. Census Bureau statistics.

NSBW, which has been celebrated for more than 60 years, officially acknowledges the critical contributions of America's entrepreneurs and small business owners, "their hard work, ingenuity and dedication, including their contributions to the economy," the SBA says on its website.

"National Small Business Week is the nation's opportunity to lift up the amazing entrepreneurs, small business advocates, local partners, advisors, lenders, and investors who support America's entrepreneurial spirit," says SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman in a March press release. 

Here are three ways you and your small business can recognize this year's National Small Business Week. 

Get the Word Out to Customers

Hype it up. Let your customers and social media followers know that it's National Small Business Week, April 28-May 4, and you'd love their support.

Consider creating and sharing compelling content for social media that tells your small business "story" or shares your inspiring entrepreneurial experience. You could also feature your great employees or talk about your mission and values. 

Whether via social media or email blasts about NSBW, be sure to acknowledge how important your customers are to you and the success of your business.

Run a NSBW Promotion

Use the opportunity of National Small Business Week to send out a special coupon or other promotion as a thank you to customers.

Depending on your type of business, you could make the code redeemable for one week only, for the next month, or offer it with no expiration. Get the promotion out as soon as possible via your email lists, website, and social media pages to help customers plan their purchases with your business.

Take Part in NSBW Events

Look for in-person and virtual events during Small Business Week in your community or nationally that you or your employees can attend or participate in.

Nationally, events include in-person events and the Small Business Week Virtual Summit, co-hosted by the SBA and SCORE, the small business mentoring organization, on April 30 and May 1. The two-day event is free, but registration is required to access it.

The summit will feature a variety of educational webinars, exhibit booths, multiple peer-to-peer networking rooms, access to federal resources, and expert business advice from SCORE mentors. 

Also, business owners will have the opportunity to network with business owners from across the country, learn new business strategies, and chat with industry experts, according to the SBA and SCORE.

NSBW's 2024 Awards

The SBA earlier announced the NSBW's 2024 Award Winners, comprised of business owners, lending partners, and advocates "who embody the grit and determination that power our nation's economy and ensure disaster-impacted communities can recover."

"Our 2024 National Small Business Week award winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and commitment, and the SBA is proud to showcase their incredible achievements and impact on their communities and our economy," notes Guzman in the press statement. 

The NSBW Award Ceremonies will take place April 28-29 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C.​, where national award winners and individual state winners will be acknowledged and where one of the state or territory winners will also receive the honor of 2024 National Small Business Person of the Year.

From there, Guzman plans a "roadshow tour" from April 30 to May 3, 2024. During this time, she is scheduled to visit Manchester, N.H., Milwaukee, Wis., Denver, Colo., and Billings, Mont., where she and local leaders are to honor award-winning small businesses and discuss SBA initiatives and opportunities for the small business community.