According to the Small Business Association (SBA), small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, accounting for nearly 63% of all jobs created over the past 30 years.
The SBA hosts National Small Business Week (NSBW) each year to recognize the achievements of small businesses. Many organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, are extending this celebration through the month of May.
In addition to local in-person events, several groups are hosting free online sessions for experienced business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. It's a great opportunity to level up your skills, expand your network and show off your small business pride.
To get started, here are seven events happening during Small Business Month, so register now.
National Small Business Week (NSBW) Virtual Summit
April 30th (Tuesday) – May 1st (Wednesday), 2024
National Small Business Week 2024 begins on Sunday, April 28th and runs through Saturday, May 4th.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our nation's economy and are the realization of the American dream for millions of entrepreneurs,” SBA Administrator Isabela Casillas Guzmán said in a press release. “National Small Business Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments and important contributions across the country.”
In addition to a variety of in-person events, this year's celebration will include a free two-day virtual summit on April 30 and May 1, 2024. SBA and SCORE will co-host online sessions featuring educational workshops, networking opportunities, and access. Federal Resources. You will have the opportunity to chat with experts and meet other entrepreneurs. Reserve your spot by filling out the registration form.
CO—Ready. set. scale.small business day
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Small business resilience doesn’t just happen. Overcoming obstacles takes effort, and identifying opportunities requires a keen eye. Fortunately, you're not alone in your efforts. Discuss the latest concerns for small businesses at his One Day Deep Learning hosted by CO hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
This year's event will be a hybrid, with in-person programming at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C., and virtual sessions exploring the following topics:
- Strategies for using AI to streamline processes and reduce costs.
- Marketing trends from big brands and approaches small businesses can take advantage of.
- Proven growth strategies from successful entrepreneurs.
- Policy initiatives that may impact small businesses.
The virtual session will run from noon to 2:00 pm ET. For more information or to sign up, visit CO-Ready. set. scale. Small Business Day home page.
[Read More: Ready. Set. Scale. How Small Business Can Leverage AI]
Thurston Economic Development Center: Introduction to Business
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Pre- and early-stage entrepreneurs are invited to Thurston Economic Development Center's free live webinar to learn the basics of business planning and the steps to turn your vision into reality. Washington Women's Business Center (WCBC) staff will also be on call to provide information about resources available to Washington businesses.
The introductory business webinar will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Pacific Time (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM Eastern Time). Those interested can register online and will receive a Zoom link 24 hours before the event.
CNBC Small Business Handbook
Thursday, May 2, 2024
CNBC's Small Business Playbook is designed to support small business owners with information, insights, and actionable strategies. Repeating this May, the event series examines the current state of America's small businesses, looks to the future, and offers stories of resilience from successful entrepreneurs.
Speakers at the event, titled “Small Businesses in 2024 and Beyond: Adapt, Evolve, Achieve,” include SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, futurist Scott Steinberg, and U.S. gymnast/entrepreneur Includes Lian Wong. You can register online for the livestream starting at 1pm ET.
Work for yourself @50+
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 – Friday, May 29, 2024
AARP Foundation's Work for Yourself@50+ helps adults improve their financial security. In addition to in-person events, the program will offer several virtual and hybrid workshops in May to help aspiring entrepreneurs of all ages generate income. The free session includes the Work For Yourself@50+ 5 Simple Steps Toolkit, which allows you to ask questions in an interactive environment. Check out the sessions and register on the Work for Yourself@50+ event page.
For resources hosted by local partners for your geographic region, select a session near you.
- Indiana:Wednesday, May 8th at 3:00pm Central Time (Webinar)
- Georgia: Thursday, May 9th at 1pm ET (Hybrid Workshop)
- Florida: Saturday, May 11th at 1pm ET (Hybrid Workshop)
- West Virginia: Thursday, May 16th at 12:00 PM ET (Webinar)
- Wisconsin: Thursday, May 16th at 2:00 PM Central Time (Webinar)
- Maine: Friday, May 29th at 10am ET (Webinar)
In addition, two sessions will be offered in Spanish. The webinar will be on Monday, May 20th at 4pm PT and the hybrid workshop will be on Tuesday, May 21st at 8am ET.
Score: How to write a one-page business plan
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or looking to hone your business vision, SCORE's live webinar on writing a one-page business plan can help. This event will provide a step-by-step guide to creating a business plan to help you organize your ideas and stay focused on your business goals.
Joining us live will provide you with free resources for your business and a link to the webinar recording. Learn more or register on the SCORE website.
Illinois SBDC @ Champaign County EDC: Navigate the latest from Google to grow your business
Thursday, May 30, 2024
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will host a webinar for businesses looking to grow through the use of Google products. Scott Clanin, owner and president of Clanin Marketing, discusses recent updates to his Google Business profile, Google Search Ads, and other tools.
The live webinar begins at 11 a.m. ET and includes a 45-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session. Registration is possible via Zoom.
CO— aims to provide inspiration from leading and respected experts. However, before making any business decisions, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your personal circumstances.
CO – is committed to helping small businesses start, operate and grow. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Join us for our Small Business Day event.
Join us for our next event on Wednesday, May 1st at 12:00 p.m. Small Business Month begins with business professionals and entrepreneurs. Register and join us in person at our headquarters in Washington, DC, or virtually.
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