National Small Business Week 2025 runs from May 4–10, and for entrepreneurs everywhere, it’s a weeklong celebration of the people building businesses with grit, heart, and late-night Google Sheets.
Whether you’re still working from your kitchen table or already scaling your operations, this week is a rare chance to step back and say: 'Look what I’ve built.'
And then ask: 'How can I make it even stronger?'
That’s what this guide is about.
Instead of just observing the moment, we’ll show you how to actively prepare for it — with practical ways to participate, build awareness, reconnect with your customers, and set your business up for smoother growth going forward.
We’ll walk you through:
- How to use the week to tell your story and make it resonate
- Smart, low-cost ways to show appreciation to your customers
- Tips for getting organized behind the scenes (including a light CRM tie-in).
Even if you’re not planning a huge campaign, there’s still a lot you can do to make this week meaningful for you, your community, and your business.
What is National Small Business Week?
National Small Business Week is a yearly celebration that shines a spotlight on the impact of small businesses across the U.S. It’s a time to recognize the people behind them — the shop owners, consultants, makers, freelancers, and family-run teams who keep communities running and bring fresh ideas to life.
Each May, the week includes events, workshops, and awards that highlight the hard work and resilience of small business owners. It’s a chance for small businesses to get noticed, connect with their audience, and take pride in what they’re building.
When is National Small Business Week 2025?
National Small Business Week is celebrated during the first week of May and takes place from May 4 to May 10, 2025.
Get ready for National Small Business Week – our tips
1. Share your origin story (and why you’re still here)
National Small Business Week is the perfect time to tell the story behind your business — to show what you do, but also why you started in the first place.
Use your socials, your website, or a quick email to explain how it all began.
What was the spark? What kept you going? What do you believe in?
Take inspiration from Burt’s Bees — what began as a beekeeper and an artist making candles grew into a natural skincare brand with a global following. But their story is still front and center: love for nature, handcrafted roots, and a mission that’s never changed.
They share it through product packaging, campaigns like #Helpsavethebees, and storytelling that connects:
You don’t need a big campaign — just an honest post. Try: 'Here’s why I started [your business name] — and what still drives me today.' Let people see the human behind the brand.
2. Refresh your customer list and reconnect
National Small Business Week is the perfect excuse to clean up your contact list — not just for tidiness, but to unlock new opportunities. The right message, sent to the right person, can bring back a lapsed customer or spark a new referral. And it starts with getting your data in order.
Here’s how to give your contact list a refresh:
- Update missing details –> Go through customer records and fill in gaps like phone numbers, websites, or updated job titles.
- Re-tag people based on interest or stage –> Use tags like lead, VIP customer, local partner, or cold to make future outreach more targeted.
- Spot quiet leads worth reviving –> Filter by contacts you haven’t spoken to in 3–6 months. Drop them a friendly check-in or share a useful resource.
Don’t just update — reconnect. A short message is all it takes:
- Past customer –> 'Hi [Name], it’s been a while since we last worked together — just wanted to say thanks again and check in. Anything you’re working on that I can support right now?'
- Local business contact –> 'Hey [Name], I’m putting together a list of local small businesses to spotlight during Small Business Week. Would love to include yours — are you doing anything special?'
- Peer/small business owner –> 'Hi [Name], I know it’s Small Business Week soon — figured it’s a good time to say hi and see how things are going on your side. Want to swap notes or catch up?'
You'd be surprised at how a simple subject line can spark so much interest and get those clicks coming in. GoDaddy warmly recognized the efforts of their audience, which includes other businesses, for all their hard work:
You never know who might be ready to buy, book, or recommend — they just need a nudge.
Capsule CRM makes this part easy. You can import contacts from spreadsheets or email tools, organize them with custom tags, and schedule reminders to follow up. No matter if you're running solo or managing a small team of employees – having everything in one place always gives you clarity and control.
As the Small Business Administration says, small businesses create more than half of all U.S. jobs — and staying connected is key to continuing those critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs. Why not start now?
3. Run a small thank-you campaign
National Small Business Week is a moment to celebrate the work you’ve put in — but it’s also the perfect time to thank the people who made that work possible. Your customers, clients, or supporters are the reason your business exists today.
Acknowledge that and give something back, even in a small way.
You don’t need a big budget or a major campaign to show appreciation. A thoughtful gesture can be just as powerful when it feels personal and genuine.
Ideas you can try:
- Add a small gift with every purchase this week
- Offer a discount or bonus to returning customers only
- Share a behind-the-scenes message or voice note thanking your community
- Highlight a few customer names publicly (with permission) as part of your celebration
- Send an exclusive email with early access to something you're working on
Capsule CRM can help you identify who’s been with you the longest or who regularly engages with your business. Use filters to quickly build that list and tailor your outreach.
Saying thank you is a simple way to show that you remember who’s been part of your story.
4. Prep social content in advance
Social media gets busy during National Small Business Week — but if you prepare a few posts ahead of time, you can show up consistently without scrambling for ideas each day. Show the people behind the product, share what you’ve learned, and join a national conversation that celebrates small business ownership!
Here’s an example of a simple 5-day content plan:
- Monday: Kickoff post –> 'It’s National Small Business Week 🎉 Here’s why I started [your business name] and what keeps me going.' (Include a photo of you or your workspace.)
- Tuesday: Behind-the-scenes –> A look at how your product or service gets made. Share a quick video, timelapse, or 2-3 photos from your day.
- Wednesday: Customer spotlight –> Shout out a loyal customer or client. Share a quote or story, and thank them for being part of your journey.
- Thursday: Founder's voice –> Share a few lessons you’ve learned so far. '5 things I’ve learned since starting a small business' works great as a carousel or short caption.
- Friday: Community + call-to-action –> Tag other small business owners you admire and invite followers to do the same. End with a prompt like: 'Supporting small businesses means everything — tag one you love below.'
Use the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek to join the wider conversation. Prepping now means less stress later — and better engagement when it matters.
5. Collaborate with another small business
Small businesses thrive on connection — and during National Small Business Week, collaboration is completely on-brand!
The week exists to recognize entrepreneurs and small business owners for their impact on the country’s economy, employment, and innovation. So why not use it to build something together?
When you collaborate with other business owners, you create way more than a campaign — you create momentum. Shared projects can lead to success stories, new leads, and fresh energy in your community.
Need inspiration? In Almonte, Ontario, a group of small shops — including Cheerfully Made Goods — realized they couldn’t afford traditional advertising alone. So they teamed up. Ten merchants now split a shared ad in a regional magazine, paying just $80 each per month. Beyond ads, they mention each other in newsletters, cross-promote events, and even co-host craft fairs. Their mindset is simple: when the town is busy, everyone benefits.
Here’s how you can collaborate:
- Run a joint giveaway with a like-minded brand
- Host a virtual event, workshop, or AMA (Ask Me Anything) together
- Bundle your offers into one limited-time promotion
- Swap social content or newsletter features
- Support each other’s posts and campaigns all week
Use this week not just to celebrate your own wins, but to lift up those building alongside you. The connections you make now may become the most valuable part of your business going forward.
6. Audit your customer experience
As a small business owner, you’re often deep in the day-to-day — handling orders, replying to emails, doing the work. But during National Small Business Week, take a step back and walk through your business like a first-time customer.
What do they see?
What do they feel?
Is it clear who you are and what you offer?
Does the experience reflect your values and attention to detail?
Here’s a practical checklist to help you check in — with a bit of reflection built in:
Website
- Can a new visitor understand what you do in under 5 seconds? If your homepage is vague, cluttered, or full of jargon, now’s a good time to simplify.
- Is the call to action obvious and helpful? Think about what you want them to do: Book a call? Make a purchase? Sign up for updates?
- Are you offering proof? Add testimonials, real photos, or stats that show you’re credible and trustworthy.
Email experience
- Do new subscribers get a thoughtful welcome? Even a short email with a personal tone makes a difference.
- Are automated emails still accurate? Double-check that your info, links, and tone still match where your business is now.
- Is it easy for someone to reply and get a real answer? Customers often reply to newsletters — make sure those replies aren’t landing in a void.
Social presence
- Do your bios explain what you do and who it’s for? Don’t assume people already know. Clarity wins attention.
- Do your recent posts reflect your values, product, and vibe? If it’s been all promos lately, try weaving in behind-the-scenes, founder notes, or tips.
- Is your contact info up to date? Check links, business hours, pinned posts, and any 'about' highlights.
🧠 Using Capsule to spot gaps (if you’re already on it):
If you’re managing contacts in Capsule, this is a good time to check your timelines. Are there leads you meant to follow up with but didn’t? Anyone going quiet who might just need a quick check-in?
You can use tags to group your best customers or most engaged contacts — then set gentle reminders to reach out during the week. Sometimes all it takes is a 'Hey, how’s everything going?' to bring someone back into the fold.
7. Set yourself up for smoother growth post-May
National Small Business Week is also a reminder: running a business is a long game.
After the spotlight fades, what really matters is how well your systems support you every single day.
Now’s the time to look ahead.
What’s slowing you down? Where are things slipping through the cracks?
Use this moment to make one upgrade that’ll make life easier after the buzz of May — even if it’s just organizing your contacts better or cleaning up how you track leads.
If you’re ready to bring a bit more order into the chaos, Capsule CRM can be your steady partner. It helps you:
- Stay organized by pulling in all your contacts and deal info in one place
- Track your pipeline and follow up without scrambling
- Build a sales process you can repeat, scale, or hand off to others
- Access everything from anywhere with the Capsule mobile app
Rated 4.7 on G2, Capsule offers flexible pricing, integrations with your favorite tools, and a setup that’s actually easy to stick with.
Celebrate Small Business Week by building something that lasts.
Learn how to make the most of the trial:
https://capsulecrm.com/blog/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-capsule-trial/
Because growth is easier when you’re not doing everything from scratch.
A week of visibility — and a launchpad for growth
National Small Business Week is your chance to lay the groundwork for what’s next.
Every action counts.
Use the week to reflect, show up with purpose, and reconnect with the people who’ve supported your journey so far. And when you’re ready to grow beyond the moment, tools like Capsule CRM can help you keep that momentum going — with fewer distractions and more clarity.
Small businesses power the economy, create jobs, and bring innovation to life.
So take the week. Make it count. Good luck!
