National Small Business Day – May. 10, 2027

National Small Business Day
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Every May 10
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National Small Business Day honors the entrepreneurial spirit and economic contributions of small businesses every May 10. Take time to celebrate the local shops, innovative startups, and dedicated individuals who drive our communities forward. Support your favorite small businesses, explore new local gems, and share their stories to boost their visibility.

Want to sponsor National Small Business Day? Learn how

Expected National Small Business Day Deals

On National Small Business Day, the focus shifts from traditional sales to highlighting the unique value and contributions of local enterprises. While major chains may not offer specific deals, many small businesses will run their own promotions, loyalty bonuses, or special events. Look for local cafes offering discounts, boutiques hosting pop-ups, and service providers extending introductory rates. Organizations like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE will likely promote educational resources and networking opportunities. Platforms like Etsy and Shopify will amplify their small business sellers, encouraging consumers to ‘shop small.’ We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 10 approaches, but the best approach is to check directly with your favorite local businesses.

Platform Guide for National Small Business Day

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SmallBusinessDay. Share success stories of local entrepreneurs or offer business tips.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SmallBusinessDay. Highlight your favorite small businesses with photos and testimonials.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #SmallBusinessDay. Post visually appealing content showcasing unique small business products or services.

Social Media Tips for National Small Business Day

Individuals

Commit to shopping exclusively at small businesses for the day, or share a positive review for a local business online.

Creators

Feature a 'day in the life' of a local small business owner, or create a video reviewing unique products from local shops.

Brands

Collaborate with a smaller business on a joint promotion, or host a 'small business spotlight' series on your social channels.

Partners & Brands for National Small Business Day

  1. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

    Established in 1953, the SBA is a U.S. government agency that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. Its mission is to maintain and strengthen the nation's economy by aiding, counseling, assisting, and protecting the interests of small business concerns.

  2. Shopify

    Founded in 2006, Shopify is a leading e-commerce platform that empowers small businesses to create online stores and sell products. It provides tools for website building, marketing, payments, and shipping, enabling entrepreneurs worldwide to reach customers digitally.

  3. Etsy

    Launched in 2005, Etsy is an online marketplace focused on handmade or vintage items and craft supplies. It provides a global platform for small businesses and independent creators to sell unique goods directly to consumers, fostering a community of artisans.

  4. Square

    Co-founded by Jack Dorsey in 2009, Square provides payment processing solutions, point-of-sale hardware, and business services tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Its innovative tools help entrepreneurs manage transactions, inventory, and customer relationships efficiently.

  5. Yelp

    Founded in 2004, Yelp is a popular online platform that publishes crowd-sourced reviews about local businesses, alongside online reservation and food delivery services. It helps consumers discover and connect with local small businesses, influencing purchasing decisions through community feedback.

  6. American Express

    While a large corporation, American Express is a strong advocate for small businesses, notably through its creation of Small Business Saturday in 2010. The company actively promotes and supports small business owners with financial services and marketing initiatives.

  7. Main Street America

    Established in 1980, Main Street America is a national network of communities dedicated to preserving and revitalizing older and historic downtowns and commercial districts. It supports small businesses as integral components of vibrant local economies and community identity.

National Small Business Day Hero

Dwight D. Eisenhower

As the 34th U.S. President, Dwight D. Eisenhower played a pivotal role in establishing formal support for small businesses. In 1953, he signed the Small Business Act into law, creating the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This landmark legislation provided a dedicated federal agency to aid, counsel, and protect the interests of small business concerns, recognizing their crucial contribution to the American economy.

History of National Small Business Day

Small businesses have been the heart of life and economy in the U.S. since the first settlers arrived. The idea of a self-made man emerged during this time when virtuous was the pioneer who built a home and life for his family despite the odds. Many colonists during this period lived on small farms in far-flung rural areas. With only the wilderness and their farms for sustenance, families had no choice but to be self-sufficient. Many people also made essential items at home.

Since the country was still very young, all businesses were small-scale. Trading in crops and services helped the economy go ‘round. However, the transportation of goods from one point to another took ages. There were also no machines since automation didn’t exist yet and banks, as we know them today, had not been established. Fast forward to the 1800s, and a new America was born. It marked the era of large-scale economic activity and manufacturing. The number of affluent Americans increased, as did the demand for goods. Modern corporations that employed thousands of workers fuelled this booming economy. In this environment, small businesses had trouble keeping up.

The story came full circle in the 20th century when large corporations faced stiff competition from businesses based overseas. America’s small businesses rose to the occasion during this period. As small businesses thrived, so did America’s economy. Many more people began to take an interest in entrepreneurship. Turning an idea into a business was no longer a dream but a viable possibility. Start-ups were born, and venture capital financing took the world by storm.

Today, the U.S. has over 32.5 million small businesses — from mom-and-pop stores to establishments providing jobs to entire towns. America would not be the same without its small businesses.

National Small Business Day timeline

1600 — 1700
Self-sufficient Families

Families living on small farms in rural America produce their own goods, from food and clothing to soap.

1953
The S.B.A. is Born

The federal government creates the Small Business Administration to protect the interests of small businesses in the country.

1980s
The Rise of Entrepreneurship

The phenomenal success of small businesses makes entrepreneurship popular.

1980s
The Era Of Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley becomes the center of technology and start-ups in the country.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Small Business Day

Local businesses can leverage National Small Business Day to connect with their community and attract new customers. Consider offering a special ‘thank you’ discount for loyal patrons or hosting an open house to showcase new products or services. Partner with a neighboring small business for a joint promotion or cross-marketing effort. Engage on social media with #SmallBusinessDay, sharing your unique story and the passion behind your work to foster deeper connections with your audience.

National Small Business Day FAQs

When is National Small Business Day?

In 2027, National Small Business Day is observed on Monday, May 10. This annual event encourages support for local entrepreneurs.

How many small businesses are there in the U.S.?

The U.S. is home to over 33 million small businesses, which collectively employ nearly half of the nation’s private sector workforce.

What is the economic impact of small businesses?

The economic contribution of small businesses is immense, accounting for 43.5% of the U.S. gross domestic product and driving local prosperity.

What defines a 'small business'?

Generally, a small business is an independent entity that meets specific size criteria set by the SBA, ensuring it is not dominant in its field and operates within certain financial or employee thresholds.

National Small Business Day Activities

  1. Support small businesses

    Visit a favorite local business today. Show some love by buying or highlighting their work on social media.

  2. Shop local

    Do you need groceries, flowers, or a new dress? Choose to buy from a small business today and every other day.

  3. Start a small business

    Toyed with the idea of having your own business? Draft that plan. Make the call. No better day than today to take action.

5 Facts About Startups That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Most startups begin small

    Even tech giants like Facebook had humble beginnings — inside a dormitory, actually.

  2. Beyond tech startups

    Any company is a startup if it solves a problem without an obvious solution and has no guarantee of success.

  3. Vision over college degrees

    Most startup founders such as Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Michael Dell are school dropouts.

  4. 50% fail to launch

    Most startups will fail within the first five years.

  5. Sometimes, crazy works

    Rent The Chicken (portable chicken coops) and Freight Farms (shipping container farms) are examples of unconventional ideas that worked.

  6. New CEOs in town

    The number of businesses owned by African-American women has grown 322% since 1997.

Why We Love National Small Business Day

  1. It’s uplifting and inspiring

    These are homegrown businesses with heart. The success of a small business provides livelihoods and supports entire communities.

  2. It provides dignity

    A small business provides access to high-quality jobs near your place of residence. You don’t need to relocate and have to spend money on rent because you’re so far away from home.

  3. A celebration of entrepreneurship

    We’re always in awe of gritty entrepreneurs. The ones who persevere and build something incredible from scratch.

National Small Business Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 May 10 Monday
2028 May 10 Wednesday
2029 May 10 Thursday
2030 May 10 Friday
2031 May 10 Saturday