Small businesses are at the heart of the U.S. economy, accounting for nearly 63% of all jobs created over the last three decades, according to the Small Business Association (SBA).
The SBA hosts National Small Business Week (NSBW) annually to recognize small business achievements. Many organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, extend the celebration throughout May.
Along with local, in-person events, several groups hold free online sessions for seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s the perfect opportunity to level up your skills, expand your network, and show your pride as a small business.
To get you started, here are seven events happening during Small Business Month you can register for now.
National Small Business Week (NSBW) Virtual Summit
Tuesday, April 30 - Wednesday, May 1, 2024
National Small Business Week 2024 kicks off on Sunday, April 28, and runs through Saturday, May 4.
“Small businesses power our nation’s economy and are the realization of the American Dream for millions of entrepreneurs,” said SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman in a press release. “National Small Business Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate their achievements and the essential contributions they make across the country.”
In addition to various in-person events, this year’s celebration includes a free, two-day virtual summit on April 30 and May 1, 2024. The SBA and SCORE will co-host online sessions featuring educational workshops, networking opportunities, and access to federal resources. You’ll have a chance to chat with experts and meet other entrepreneurs. Complete the registration form to reserve your spot.
CO— Ready. Set. Scale. Small Business Day
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Small business resilience doesn’t happen accidentally. It takes hard work to overcome obstacles and a sharp eye to identify opportunities. Fortunately, you’re not alone in your endeavors. Discuss the latest small business concerns during a day of deep learning hosted by CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s event will be hybrid, with in-person programming at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Headquarters in Washington, D.C., along with virtual sessions diving into the following topics:
- Strategies for streamlining processes and reducing costs with AI.
- Big-brand marketing trends and approaches that small businesses can leverage.
- Tried-and-true growth strategies from successful entrepreneurs.
- Policy initiatives that could impact small businesses.
Virtual sessions will run from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET. To learn more or to sign up, visit the CO— Ready. Set. Scale. Small Business Day homepage.
[Read More: Ready. Set. Scale. How Small Business Can Leverage AI]
Thurston Economic Development Center: Intro to Business
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Pre-business and early-stage entrepreneurs are invited to join the Thurston Economic Development Center for a free live webinar, covering the fundamentals of business planning and steps to turn their vision into reality. Staff from the Washington Center for Women in Business (WCBC) will also be on the call, providing information about available resources for businesses in Washington state.
The Intro to Business webinar will run from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. PT (12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET). Those interested can register online and will receive a Zoom link 24 hours before the event.
CNBC Small Business Playbook
Thursday, May 2, 2024
CNBC’s Small Business Playbook aims to support small business owners with information, insights, and actionable strategies. This May’s iteration of the event series will examine the current state of small business in America, look toward the future, and offer stories of resilience from successful entrepreneurs.
Speakers for this event titled, “Small Business in 2024 and Beyond: Adapt, Evolve, Achieve,” include SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, futurist Scott Steinberg, and U.S. gymnast/entrepreneur Leanne Wong. You can register for the livestream online, which starts at 1:00 p.m. ET.
Work for Yourself@50+
Wednesday, May 8 - Friday, May 29, 2024
AARP Foundation’s Work for Yourself@50+ empowers adults to improve financial stability. In addition to in-person events, the program offers several virtual and hybrid workshops in May to help aspiring entrepreneurs of any age earn income. The free sessions include the Work For Yourself@50+ 5 Simple Steps Toolkit, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions in an interactive environment. View the sessions and register on the Work for Yourself@50+ event page.
Pick a session near you for resources geared toward your geographic region, hosted by local partners:
- Indiana:Wednesday, May 8 at 3:00 p.m. CT (webinar)
- Georgia: Thursday, May 9 at 1:00 p.m. ET (hybrid workshop)
- Florida: Saturday, May 11 at 1:00 p.m. ET (hybrid workshop)
- West Virginia: Thursday, May 16 at 12:00 p.m. ET (webinar)
- Wisconsin: Thursday, May 16 at 2:00 p.m. CT (webinar)
- Maine: Friday, May 29 at 10:00 a.m. ET (webinar)
Additionally, two sessions will be offered in Spanish: a webinar on Monday, May 20 at 4:00 p.m. PT, and a hybrid workshop on Tuesday, May 21 at 8:00 a.m. ET.
SCORE: How to Write a One-Page Business Plan
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or want to sharpen your business’s vision, SCORE’s live webinar on writing a one-page business plan can help. The event provides a step-by-step guide to writing a business plan, allowing you to organize your ideas and maintain focus on your business goals.
Those who attend live will receive free resources for their business, and a link to the webinar recording. Learn more or register at SCORE’s website.
Illinois SBDC at Champaign County EDC: Navigating Google’s Latest Updates for Business Growth
Thursday, May 30, 2024
The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Champaign County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) will be hosting a webinar for businesses looking to achieve growth through the use of Google products. Presenter Scott Clanin, owner and president of Clanin Marketing, will cover recent updates to Google Business Profile, Google Search ads, and other tools.
The live webinar will start at 11:00 a.m. ET, and the 45-minute presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. Registration is available on Zoom.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
