Small businesses play a central role in the U.S. economy, employing millions of Americans while helping local communities grow and thrive. That impact takes center stage each May during National Small Business Week (NSBW), hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to support and show appreciation for entrepreneurs across the country.
Many organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, extend this celebration of small businesses throughout the entire month with in-person events and online sessions for seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs alike. To help you make the most of it, here are nine events happening during Small Business Month that you can register for now.
[Read more: 11 Things to Do During Small Business Month to Grow Your Company]
CO— Small Business Day 2026
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Kicking off Small Business Month, CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual event offers a day of learning and networking for small business owners. Attendees will learn how to strengthen their business with insights from leading executives on policy, cybersecurity, retail, and more.
This year's event will be hybrid: Main stage programming will be available both virtually and in person at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. In-person attendees can also participate in a hands-on AI training session and enjoy an exclusive wine-tasting reception after the main stage programming.
To learn more or to sign up, visit the CO— Small Business Day homepage.
NSBW Virtual Summit
Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6, 2026
National Small Business Week 2026—starting Sunday, May 3, and running to Saturday, May 9—recognizes and celebrates the achievements and essential contributions small businesses make to the economy.
In addition to various in-person events across local communities, this year's celebration includes a free two-day virtual summit on Tuesday, May 5, and Wednesday, May 6. This year’s event will include educational presentations from industry leaders, exhibit booths, free resources, and expert advice from Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Register online to reserve your spot.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Virtual Broadcast: Strengthening American Small Business
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Resilience has become a key trait among today’s most successful small business owners, who have navigated major challenges like the pandemic, economic and political uncertainty, and massive natural disasters in recent years.
As part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2026 Building Resilience Conference, this virtual broadcast will highlight the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R), a multi-year initiative that supports preparedness for disaster-affected small businesses across the country. Representatives from the program’s sponsors and partners will discuss R4R’s impact and how small businesses can participate. Register for the live broadcast online.
Thurston Economic Development Center: Intro to Business
Wednesday, May 6, 2025
Pre-business and early-stage entrepreneurs are invited to join the Thurston Economic Development Center for a free live webinar covering the fundamentals of business planning and steps to turn their vision into reality.
The Intro to Business webinar is from 9–10 a.m. PT (12–1 p.m. ET) on Wednesday, May 6. Those interested can register online and will receive a Zoom link 24 hours before the event.
[Read more: How to Start a Business | A Checklist]
Kicking off Small Business Month, CO— by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's annual event offers a day of learning and networking for small business owners.
Inc. Small Business Week
Monday, May 4, through Friday, May 8, 2026
The Inc. Small Business Week Series, produced in partnership with Shark Tank, brings together business titans to share their playbooks for scaling and strategic leadership.
Virtual sessions will run each day of the week from 2:00–3:00 p.m. ET, with topics ranging from AI automation to customer engagement in an algorithm-driven world. You can register online and select the events that best fit your schedule and business needs.
Wisconsin Economic Development: The Small Business Academy
Tuesday, May 5, through Friday, May 8, 2026
Wisconsin Economic Development returns this year with its annual Lieutenant Governor's Small Business Academy, a free event designed to support business owners in launching and scaling their operations. Attendees can enjoy practical advice from successful entrepreneurs plus workshops on key topics like financing, legal and regulatory issues, business certifications, and more.
This year's event will be held virtually from Tuesday, May 5, through Thursday, May 7, with in-person components available across Wisconsin on Friday, May 8. You can register online for virtual and/or in-person programming; live attendees will receive additional event details, including site-specific locations and agendas, in a follow-up email.
Freedom Makers Monthly Momentum Meeting
Thursday, May 14, 2026
Freedom Markers Virtual Services, an organization that connects small businesses with military spouse virtual assistants, hosts monthly virtual networking sessions for business leaders.
This May’s Monthly Momentum Meeting, scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. ET, will provide a forum for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and nonprofit leaders to discuss business strategy and make meaningful connections. You can register online via Zoom for this free event.
[Read More: A Small Business Owner’s Guide to Hiring Virtual Assistants]
Small Business Expo
Thursday, May 7, 2026 (New York), and Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (Boston)
Small Business Expo is America’s largest small business event series, connecting over 100,000 small business owners annually. These free-to-attend networking conferences run throughout the country year-round, and will be running in the Northeast this Small Business Month.
The New York City spring session will be held at the Javits Convention Center on Thursday, May 7, while the Boston session will run Wednesday, May 27, at The Westin Boston Seaport District.
NJSBDC workshops
Friday, May 1, through Saturday, May 30, 2026
The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) offers training, resources, and advisory services to small and midsize businesses in New Jersey. As part of NJSBDC's mission, the organization hosts a series of online workshops—many of them free to attend—centered around starting, running, and growing a business.
Offerings during May include sessions on AI tools for productivity, government contracting opportunities, social media and content marketing strategy, and more. Visit the NJSBDC Events/Workshop page for program details and registration information.
Looking for information and resources tailored to your state? Several SBDCs across the country, including Arizona, Missouri, and Virginia, will host similar event series for small business owners. Visit the SBA website to find your nearest SBDC.
CO— aims to bring you inspiration from leading respected experts. However, before making any business decision, you should consult a professional who can advise you based on your individual situation.
CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
