Every year since 1963, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) uses the first week in May to highlight the impact of small businesses on their communities and on the nation’s economy. State and local agencies that support the creation and success of small businesses also join in with events and the SBA uses the week for national and regional activities. (For more information and live streaming of the events, visit: www.sba.gov/nsbw and www.facebook.com/SBAgov. The SBA suggests using #SmallBusinessWeek as a Twitter hashtag.) Below is a listing of national events. Additionally, there will be online webinars throughout the week.
Today (Monday)
Event | National Small Business Week Awards Luncheon in Washington, DC
Time | 11:30 am – 2:00 pm ET
SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will announce the National Small Business Person of the year, SBA’s highest honor. Nominees from each state and territory will be present to see who will be named the next National Small Business Person of the Year at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. SBA will also honor individuals in the following award categories.:
- Exporter of the Year
- Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
- Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
- 8(a) Graduate of the Year
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large prime contractors who use small businesses as suppliers and contractors)
- Services winner
- Manufacturing winner
- Research and Development winner
Tuesday
Event | Facebook Live with SBA Administrator Linda McMahon
Time | 10:30 am – 11:00 am ET
SBA Administrator Linda McMahon and Facebook’s VP and chief privacy officer for policy, Erin Egan, discuss how to start and grow a business.
How to participate | Join in at www.facebook.com/SBAgov
Wednesday
Event | National Small Business Week Road Tour Kicks Off in Indianapolis,
Location | Indianapolis
Time | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm ET
The National Small Business Week Road Tour makes its first stop in Indianapolis. SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will visit the town of Speedway to honor the state’s small business community.
Thursday
Event | National Small Business Week Road Tour Stops in Arlington, Tex.
Location | Arlington, Texas
Time | 11:30 am – 1:30 pm CT
The National Small Business Week Road Tour stops in Arlington, Tex. SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will meet with small business owners like Sherrill Lester, president of QMF Steel.
Friday
Event | National Small Business Week Road Tour Stops in Fresno
Location | Fresno, California
Time | 9:00 am – 10:30 am PT
The National Small Business Week Road Tour makes its final stop in California’s largest Central Valley city, Fresno. Agriculture is king in California’s Central Valley, home to more than 250 unique crops. During this event, SBA Administrator Linda McMahon will meet with Fred Ruiz, founder of Ruiz Foods and Ron Heskett, CEO of Borga Steel. Register here to attend this free event (space is limited).