May 4-10 is National Small Business Week

May 4–10, 2025 is National Small Business Week, honoring the vital role small enterprises play in the U.S. economy. For more than six decades, Small Business Week has celebrated the innovation, resilience, and community impact of entrepreneurs across the nation.

National Small Business Week was first established in 1963 by Proclamation by President John F. Kennedy, who recognized the critical contributions of America’s small business owners. Since then, every U.S. president has continued the tradition of issuing a proclamation to honor this vital sector of the economy.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), founded in 1953, has led the observance of Small Business Week each year. The event reminds us that small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. According to the SBA, small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and employ nearly half of the nation’s workforce. This year, The SBA will host a virtual summit on May 6–7, offering free access to expert-led sessions on marketing, funding, and digital transformation. Participants can register through the SBA’s official site.

Major corporations are also stepping up support. Walmart announced its “Grow with US” program, a four-step initiative providing training, mentorship, and resources to help U.S. entrepreneurs bring their products to a national market. This program is part of Walmart’s commitment to invest $350 billion in American-made products by 2030.

Small Business Week reflects America’s enduring belief in self-reliance, community growth, and opportunity through entrepreneurship. This annual event highlights the need to support our local small businesses not just this week, but throughout the year.