When you walk into your favorite mom-and-pop shop, you feel a sense of familiarity.

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You swing open the door, step inside, and see warm lights all around you. You feel cool air calling you in. You smell the aroma of a candle and hear it crack in the background. Against the wall, you spot frayed black-and-white photos and local little league trophies hanging proudly. All at once, memories come flooding back to you. You’ve spent years here, made memories, and kept them safe inside the store. When you come back, it’s like you’re coming in again for the first time.

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By now, some of the store is weathered: maybe there’s paint chipping or dust collecting or a piece of furniture that probably needs replacing. But bustling about the store, you see smiling faces and friendly owners who know you by name — and that’s why you came. More importantly, that’s why you stay.

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That’s the beauty of small businesses.

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Whether it’s a bakery, a bank, or a local supermarket, these are the businesses that are not only important to you but important to your community. These are the businesses that, over the years, have braved the waves of change and stayed intertwined with your community. They’ve taken their place in history books, and certainly, in the minds and memories of everyone in your community.

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In a world that’s dominated by big businesses and online shopping, these stores might seem less than significant — but this week, we remind ourselves of what they mean to us and to our communities.

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Happy National Small Business Week!

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What is National Small Business Week?

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National Small Business Week is a week-long celebration, set by the U.S. Small Business Administration, to celebrate the contributions of America’s entrepreneurs. In the past 2 years in particular, small businesses have shown “resiliency and tenacity” in overcoming the challenges of COVID-19. And small businesses continue to stand strong in their communities.

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According to the SBA, small businesses are the backbone of the US economy.

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Here are a few fast facts to help you get the full picture:

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• There are more than 32.5 million small businesses in the US

• Small businesses account for 64% of new jobs in the US

• Small businesses add 1.5 million jobs every year

• Over 90% of the business population is small and medium-sized businesses

• Small businesses will only keep on growing, considering that millennials and Gen-Zers are 188% more likely to create a side business than Baby Boomers

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When is National Small Business Week?

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This year, National Small Business Week 2022 is taking place from May 1-7. This year’s theme is “Building a Better America through Entrepreneurship.”

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To celebrate, the SBA is putting on several events (local and virtual), with the hopes of empowering and encouraging business owners. The biggest event is the NSBW Virtual Summit, a free 3-day summit full of action-packed business advice for owners.

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The SBA is also partnering with local officials to present the NSBW Bus Tour, a celebration in different cities throughout the country. The tour will take place May 2-5 and feature stops in:

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• May 2 – San Francisco, CA
• May 3 – Denver, CO
• May 4 – Atlanta, GA, Augusta, GA, and Columbia, SC
• May 5 – Richburg, SC and Charlotte, NC
• May 6 – Raleigh, NC and Norfolk, VA

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How Can Business Owners Celebrate NSBW?

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Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or independent pharmacist, you can celebrate National Small Business Week by doing any of the following:

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• Attend an NSBW event
• Share your story on social media
• Post using the hashtags #SmallBusinessWeek and #SmallBizSuccess
• Create NSBW merchandise for your business
• Hold an NSBW sale or offer a discount at your store
• Say “thank you” to customers
• Write thank-you notes or emails
• Post a customer spotlight
• Invest back into your business

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If you’re an independent pharmacist looking to celebrate the day, make sure you use available resources (like NCPA, PioneerRx University, and the RxLocal Social Media Assistant) in order to invest in yourself and attract new customers this National Small Business Week and beyond.

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How Can Customers Support Small Businesses?

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If you’re a shopper looking to support businesses in your local area, National Small Business Week is the right time to do it. Instead of making a lot of extra purchases this week, try to swap out routine purchases you’d normally make at a chain and make an effort to buy your items locally. That way, you can show your support without breaking the bank.

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Here are a few more ways you can support local businesses this week:

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• Discover new businesses with the American Express Shop Small Map
• Follow your favorite businesses on social media
• Like, comment, and share your favorite posts
• Pay full price for items
• Tip generously
• Buy store merchandise
• Tell friends and family about businesses you love
• Leave a positive Google Review
• Share a word of appreciation
• Offer encouragement to business owners

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Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat, buying a new piece of clothing, or picking up a prescription, make sure that you do it with small businesses in your community.

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If you’re in the market for a new place to fill prescriptions, check out our Pharmacy Finder to find locally-owned community pharmacies. Not only will you support a small business, but you’ll find a healthcare provider who cares for you and your family’s well-being.

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Conclusion

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Small businesses are essential to the communities they serve — and from May 1-7, we have an opportunity to give back to the businesses that give to us. This week, shop small, spread the word, and remember the significance of the buildings that back you, your family, and your community. They’re worth supporting this week and every week.

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