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National Small Business Week 2022

Celebrating You: National Small Business Week 2022

Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) coordinates National Small Business Week (NSBW), a celebration of America’s millions of small business owners who provide the foundation for our strong and growing economy. Throughout the week, the SBA will host:

  • Local events
  • Awards ceremonies
  • Virtual lessons 
  • Virtual workshops
  • A national bus tour

When is National Small Business Week?

National Small Business Week happens every year in early May. This year’s NSBW falls on the week of May 1-7, 2022. The theme for 2022 is “Building a Better America through Entrepreneurship” and spotlights the entrepreneurs who are helping to power the comeback of the American economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

How Can You Get Involved?

NSBW offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to network, promote themselves, and access resources to help grow their business.

  • NSBW Virtual Summit: As part of a 4-day event during the week, the SBA and their SCORE partners will host a free virtual summit that offers business owners educational sessions on federal resources and new business strategies, and a chance to meet and network with other business owners and industry experts.  Sign up here.
  • Online and In-person Events: SBA leaders and field offices will hold numerous events through the week with useful tips and lessons for small business owners at any stage of their journey. Follow this link to browse events.
  • Join the Conversation on Social Media: During NSBW, entrepreneurs of all kinds stay tuned to the activities and share their accomplishments using social media. You can take advantage of the added visibility on social media and be part of the conversation by creating posts using the following hashtags: #SmallBusinessWeek, #NationalSmallBusinessWeek, or #NSBW.
  • Connect with Your Customers: Just like certain holidays throughout the year, NSBW is a great reason to connect with your customers in meaningful ways. Similar to Small Business Saturday, consider NSBW as an opportunity to thank your customers, run a sale, or host an event. 
  • Support Other Entrepreneurs in Your Community: Remember that other small business owners like you are looking for support as well! Reach out, promote your favorite small businesses on your social media, and encourage friends and family to check them out or leave a review. The sentiment of your authentic support for other small businesses can go a long way in promoting your own!

SBA National Small Business Week Awards

Each year during NSBW, the SBA recognizes small business owners across the country with National Small Business Week Awards. The awards recognize the achievements of entrepreneurs in their community and include:

  • Small Business Person of the Year
  • Small Business Exporter of the Year
  • Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery
  • Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery
  • Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Public Official
  • Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Volunteer
  • Federal Procurement Awards
  • Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
  • Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence 
  • 8(a) Graduate of the Year

The SBA recognizes awardees from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. 

If you know of a small business owner who should be nominated, or think you have what it takes to win, learn more about the nomination process and award requirements at https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/awards.