Creative Ideas for Leveraging Small Business Week

April 12, 2024

National Small Business Week has been a tradition since 1963, highlighting small businesses and their contributions to their local communities and the country’s economy. Taking place the first week of May each year, National Small Business Week is an exciting time for small business owners, with many opportunities to leverage media attention, offer giveaways, market to potential new customers, and increase loyalty among existing customers.

Whether you run a startup business or an established company, it’s never too early to start preparing for National Small Business Week. Here are a few ideas to consider.

Hold Contests and Giveaways

The media may be looking for small business stories to spotlight, and a contest can be a good way to attract local coverage while getting people excited about your company.

Throughout National Small Business Week, consider running contests. You could incentivize people to sign up for your email list by offering a daily giveaway for a lucky winner. You could also use social media to your advantage and give free products or services to people who share your posts. Try to get creative and make sure your prizes are valuable enough to get people interested. Consider it a long-term investment in customer acquisition and exposure.

Educate Consumers on the Value of Supporting Small Businesses

Many people don’t realize just how vital small businesses are locally and nationally. As a small business owner, it’s up to you to educate them.

One of the most effective ways to make your message heard is to reach out to your community. After all, they’re the people who are directly affected by your company’s contributions to the local economy. Consider printing out custom flyers about the value of supporting small businesses and handing them out to people. You can also leave them in public spaces like community centers, libraries, and local coffee shops.

When people understand the value that small businesses bring, they’re more likely to go out and support them, especially during National Small Business Week.

Host Special Virtual Events

If you’re wondering how to promote your small business to people who may not be local, consider throwing a virtual party. After all, National Small Business Week is the ideal time for small business owners and their customers to celebrate — even online.

Consider taking to social media and live streaming to connect to customers in real time. Entice customers to participate in live discussions or trivia with discounts on products, mystery bags, or free swag. 

If you have a service-based business, consider hosting a webinar where you show your expertise about your industry and connect with other similar businesses. This can help promote collaboration and show customers your engagement with your community. It’s also a great way to reconnect with returning customers who might be interested in what’s new with your business.

Bonus points if you can get your customers to generate buzz about your business online, getting new customers interested in your business. 


 

Give Out Branded Freebies

National Small Business Week is an ideal time to give out branded gifts. Everyone loves receiving a freebie, even if they’ve never heard of your company — and it’s a good way to turn people into ambassadors for your brand.

You can send out emails, postcards, and social media posts inviting people to stop by your store for a free promotional gift. If you don’t have a brick-and-mortar location, you can invite them to sign up to receive a free gift through the mail.

Collaborate with Other Local Businesses

National Small Business Week can be an excellent opportunity for collaboration. Consider partnering with neighboring businesses to create joint promotions or events. This could involve a “shop local” passport, where customers get stamps for visiting different businesses and can win prizes for completing the passport.

These collaborations not only help to increase foot traffic but also can strengthen community ties and create a supportive network of local entrepreneurs.

Offer Special Discounts and Loyalty Rewards

During National Small Business Week, offering special discounts can help attract new customers and show appreciation to your loyal clientele.

Consider creating exclusive offers for the week, like a “buy one, get one free” deal, or a significant discount on popular products or services. Additionally, introducing a loyalty program or providing extra rewards points during this week can encourage repeat business and may turn new customers into regulars.

 

Engage in Community Service

Consider participating in or organizing community service events during National Small Business Week. This not only helps to give back to the community that supports your business but can also enhance your business’s reputation as a socially responsible entity.

You can organize a neighborhood cleanup, sponsor a local sports team, or hold a charity event where a portion of the week’s proceeds go to a local cause. These activities can help your business garner positive media attention and may resonate well with customers who value community engagement.

Capitalize On National Small Business Week

Depending on your plans for the big week, you may want to start preparing at least a month in advance. That gives you time to grow your budget, order promotional products, and create marketing materials.

You may also want to reach out to media outlets and put out a press release so that your community knows about your plans. It’s never too early to start planning, and you’ll likely see better results if you prepare in advance.

You can have fun with National Small Business Week, but try not to overlook the incredible business potential it offers. As a small business owner, this week can be your chance to shine.

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About the Author:

When Bec Swanson isn’t writing, you’ll likely find her hanging out with her family and dogs. She’s also a big fan of diving into a great book or tasting new and exciting foods.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided “as is,” and neither the author nor Office Depot warrants the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.