If you're the owner of a small business, you know that it's vitally important to seize opportunities for growth. National Small Business Week (which runs from the end of April into the first week of May) is one great example.
The federal Small Business Association (SBA) created the weekly designation in 1963, with the goal of honoring smaller enterprises that provide large impact in their communities.
To help your business get the most out of this opportunity, let's take a closer look at some ideas to implement during National Small Business Week.
As part of National Small Business Week, one small business owner from each state is chosen as the SBA's "Small Business Person of the Year." Winners are then flown to the nation's capital to celebrate.
Winning this award is a major feather in your cap, as you'll be honored at a national ceremony and that recognition can possibly draw attention from your local media.
Customers always love a great deal — so why not use this opportunity to run a special promotion? Offer your clients discounts on products or services, and tie the promotion into small business awareness. Let your customers know you appreciate their business, and give them another reason to patronize smaller, neighborhood establishments.
It's also a smart idea to partner those other local small businesses for cross-promotion. You can gain exposure to their audience (and vice versa) — something that can help both of your business grow quickly.
Much like Small Business Saturday, National Small Business week is an ideal time to begin a local movement celebrating the small enterprises in your community. Speak with other business owners, community leaders and the local Chamber of Commerce about developing your own events. These could be anything from an informal get-together showcasing your businesses to the area, demonstrations of the products your business sells, or just even a networking event among all the business owners.
By taking the initiative, you can earn public goodwill, make valuable business contacts and help all local small businesses prosper — and that's a win/win for everyone involved.
Another valuable resource to tap into is the SBA's Small Business Week Webinar programming. Each year, the SBA hosts Webinars on a variety of relevant topics ("The Future of Small Business Innovation"; "How to Write E-mail Content in 15 Minutes or Less" etc.).
Participating in these Webinars can provide you with the insights you need to take your business to the next level. Check out the SBA’s site to learn what webinars might be available.
