Small businesses employ nearly 46% of all U.S. workers (about 59 million people), according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This puts them at the heart of the U.S. economy, and each May, the SBA hosts National Small Business Week (NSBW) to recognize small business achievements.
Many organizations — including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce — extend this celebration of small businesses throughout the entire month with local, in-person events and 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 eight events happening during Small Business Month that you can register for now.
[Read more: 11 Things to Do During Small Business Month to Grow Your Company]
CO— Small Business Day 2025
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Kicking off Small Business Month, CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual event offers a day of learning and networking for small business owners. Attendees can hear firsthand from business experts and entrepreneurs who will share their insights on industry trends, emerging technologies, and more.
This year's event will be hybrid: In-person programming and networking will take place at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C., and virtual sessions will be available live or on demand.
To learn more or to sign up, visit the CO— Small Business Day homepage.
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Work for Yourself@50+
Monday, May 5, to Wednesday, May 28, 2025
The AARP Foundation's Self-Employment resource hub empowers adults to improve their financial stability. In addition to in-person events, the AARP offers several virtual and hybrid workshops in May and beyond 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.
NSBW Virtual Summit
Tuesday, May 6, to Wednesday, May 7, 2025
National Small Business Week 2025 — starting Sunday, May 4, and running to Saturday, May 10 — recognizes and celebrates the achievements and essential contributions small businesses make to the economy.
In addition to various in-person events across local communities, this year's celebration includes a free two-day virtual summit May 6-7, 2025. The SBA and SCORE will co-host online sessions featuring educational workshops, networking opportunities with industry mentors and like-minded business owners, and access to free resources. Complete the registration form to reserve your spot.
Wisconsin Economic Development: The Small Business Academy
Tuesday, May 6, to Friday, May 9, 2025
Wisconsin Economic Development returns this year with its annual Lieutenant Governor's Small Business Academy, a free event designed to support business owners in launching and scaling their operations. Attendees can enjoy practical advice from successful entrepreneurs plus workshops on key topics like financing, legal and regulatory issues, certifications, and more.
This year's event will be held virtually from Tuesday, May 6, to Thursday, May 8, with in-person components available across Wisconsin on Friday, May 9. A complete agenda is on the website. You can register online for virtual and/or in-person programming, depending on your schedule and geographic location.
Kicking off Small Business Month, CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual event offers a day of learning and networking for small business owners. Attendees can hear firsthand from business experts and entrepreneurs who will share their insights on industry trends, emerging technologies, and more.
Thurston Economic Development Center: Intro to Business
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
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.
The Intro to Business webinar is from 9 a.m.-10 a.m. PT (12 p.m.-1 p.m. ET). Those interested can register online and will receive a Zoom link 24 hours before the event.
NCMA Emerge
Thursday, May 8, 2025
The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) Emerge event is a one-day virtual conference centered around small business contracting. It offers educational and networking opportunities for small businesses looking to gain a foothold in the federal contracting space, as well as federal agency buyers and prime contractors.
Attendees can also participate in one-on-one small business coaching with experts from APEX Accelerators. Pricing is $200 for NCMA members ($225 for nonmembers).
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U.S. DOL: Virtual Small Business Vendor Outreach Session
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Each quarter, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) hosts virtual sessions on DOL procurement opportunities and other areas of interest to small business owners. Registration for the June 17 session opens on the morning of May 16. Prior to attending, attendees are encouraged to research the Small Business Procurement Power Page, which provides information on various DOL agencies and what they typically purchase.
NJSBDC workshops
Saturday, May 3, to Saturday, May 31, 2025
The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) offers training, resources, and advisory services to small and midsize businesses in New Jersey. As part of NJSBDC's mission, the organization hosts a series of online workshops — many of them free to attend — centered around starting, running, and growing a business.
Offerings during May include sessions on LinkedIn networking, financial and tax literacy, startup assistance, and more. Visit the NJSBDC Events/Workshop page for program details and registration information.
Looking for information and resources tailored to your state? Several SBDCs across the country, including Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, will host similar event series. Visit the SBA website to find your nearest SBDC.
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.
