This week marks a high holiday on the small business calendar. From May 5th – May 11th, it is National Small Business Week 2019. For more than 50 years, National Small Business Week has recognized the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.

As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and others from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st-century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. This week is a celebration of small businesses in the U.S., and you need to get in on the action.

Here are six ways you can celebrate National Small business week.

1. Reach out to Your Customers: Educate your customers about National Small Business Week. Offer a special sale or host an event for your existing customers in honor of the celebration. Make it a customer appreciation event.

2. Attend Small Business Events in Your Local Community:Networking is always an important activity. Check your local chamber and small business support organizations calendar so that you can make new connections that can lead to opportunities.

3. Pitch the Media: You are a small business, and this is your time to shine. Draft a press release, and reach out to the media. Make sure you have a hook. Have you hit a major milestone this year in revenue, made the Inc. 5000 list, have you been awarded a significant contract, reached significant years in business or launched a new book or new product this year? These are all circumstances worthy of media coverage.

4. Join #SmallBizChat Live on my SmallBizLady Facebook page Wed. May 8th at 8 pm ET where I’ll interview these three special guests who will share the latest tools and tips to grow and recession-proof your small business.

5. Attend FREE Webinars: This year SCORE and the SBA is offering a 2-day training event for 2019 National Small Business Week Virtual Conference! If you need help with online advertising, growing brand awareness, doing business with the federal government, managing your cash flow check out the series of webinars and register which starts Tuesday, May 7th at 11 am ET.

Here’s a listing of the webinars that I think are the most relevant to help you grow your business.

• SBA Funding Programs Explained, sponsored by U.S. SBA

This insightful webinar will explain the SBA funding programs and how small businesses can benefit from them.

• Creating Effective Online Ads, sponsored by Google
  In this webinar, you’ll discover how online ads can help your business connect to new customers, promote special offers and grow brand awareness.
• Making Sense of Online Marketing: A Simple Checklist for Success, sponsored by Constant Contact
  This session will share the foundational elements to help you get the word out about your business.
• How to do Business with the Federal Government, sponsored by U.S. SBA
  This informative webinar will give you an overview of SBA small business program eligibilities and small business tools to assist in gaining access to federal procurements.
• Mastering Control of Your Cash Flow, sponsored by Square
  Join this session to find ways to manage your business’s cash flow and access capital to help it run smoothly.

6. Launch a Co-Branding Partnership: If you are a retailer or selling your services online, could you co-brand your business with another business down the block that offers a complimentary service? For example: Are you a chiropractor that could offer massage services? Are you’re a florist that could co-market with a wedding planner? Are you an architect that could co-brand with an interior design firm?  I think the point her is that co-branding is a great way to provide more services and share the cost of marketing.

7. Thank Your Employees: Your employees are the backbone of your business, and National Small Business Week is a good time to let them know you care and appreciate their hard work. Employee appreciation goes a long way. Celebrate your team this week by giving them a surprise gift card or time off. No matter what you offer, make sure they know why they are vital to your business success.

The SBA has a dedicated website for National Small Business Week. Be sure to follow the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek for more official national small business week activities.

I can’t wait to “see” you on Wednesday, May 8 at 8 pm Eastern for #SmallBizChat live on Facebook!

Happy National Small Business Week!