Small businesses are at the heart of the U.S. economy, accounting for “66% of employment growth over the last 25 years,” according to the Small Business Association (SBA). The SBA hosts National Small Business Week (NSBW) annually to recognize small business achievements. Many organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, extend the celebration throughout May.
Along with local, in-person events, several groups hold free online sessions for seasoned business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. May is a great time to level up your skills while showcasing your small business status. Bookmark this page and stop back frequently to see the latest events occurring during Small Business Month.
National Small Business Week
May 2-3, 2023
Sunday, April 30, 2023, kicks off National Small Business Week. SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman said NSBW “celebrates the resilience, innovation, and economic power of America’s small businesses and innovative startups.” Indeed, 10.5 million people applied to form a business over the past two years.
This year’s celebration includes visits to four cities (St. Louis, MO; Minneapolis, MN; Phoenix, AZ, and Albuquerque, NM), awards ceremonies in Washington, D.C, and a free, two-day virtual summit on May 2-3, 2023. The SBA and SCORE co-host the online sessions featuring educational workshops, networking opportunities, and access to federal resources. You’ll have a chance to chat with experts and meet other entrepreneurs. Complete the registration form to reserve your spot.
CO— Strategy Studio: Small Business Day
May 4, 2023
Small business resilience doesn’t happen accidentally. It takes hard work to overcome obstacles and a sharp eye to identify opportunities. Fortunately, you’re not alone in your endeavors. Discuss the latest small business concerns during an online meeting hosted by CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
This year’s speakers include:
- Sara Armstrong, Vice President and Managing Director, Federation Relations and Grassroots Advocacy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Jeanette Mulvey, Vice President and Editor-in-Chief, Small Business Product, CO— by U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Monte Durham, Founder, Salon MONTE
- Tom Sullivan, Vice President, Small Business Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
On Thursday, May 4, at 1 pm ET, you can participate in this engaging discussion and ask your pressing questions. You’ll walk away with actionable strategies to build a successful company. Click to register for CO— Strategy Studio: Small Business Day.
2023 Wisconsin Lieutenant Governor’s Small Business Academy
May 2-5, 2023
Business growth requires a strategy, and Wisconsin’s Small Business Academy provides the building blocks. Its virtual programming covers nontraditional funding sources, scaling and succession planning, and workforce attraction and retention. Expert speakers will get you on the path to financial management and introduce you to successful video storytelling techniques.
Online sessions start at 9 am CT on Tuesday, May 2, Wednesday, May 3, Thursday, May 4, and Friday, May 5. Check out the program agenda and register for the 2023 Wisconsin Small Business Academy.
Marketing Plan Workshop
May 2, 2023
This workshop is brought to you by the Ohio Small Business Development Center. Tonya Wilson, certified business advisor for the Ohio SBDC, will walk attendees through developing a marketing plan. This series starts on Tuesday, May 2, at 5 pm CT and occurs weekly for four consecutive weeks. If you complete assignments each week, you can have a completed marketing plan when the course ends. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
Scam Prevention for Entrepreneurs
May 3, 2023
Protecting your business, customers, and employees from fraud is more challenging than ever. Learn to spot fraud tactics during a free online course from Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO). Tucker Kraght, Anti-Money Laundering Analyst at Umpqua Bank, and Geoffrey Reiman, Senior AML Investigations Analyst at Umpqua Bank, will teach you how to reduce risks and prevent fraud.
This two-hour session starts on Wednesday, May 3, at 8 pm CT. It will explore eight scams plaguing businesses, including tech support fraud and fake invoice scams. Get your free tickets here.
[Read more: How to Prevent Bank Fraud and Protect Your Business Account]
IRS New Entrepreneur Program
May 4, 2023
Build a strong foundation for your startup with this webinar hosted by Small Business Majority. IRS Communications and Senior Stakeholder Liaison Tammy Gay will explore business entities, recordkeeping, taxes, and more. Along with tips and resource recommendations, this event features a question-and-answer session, allowing you to ask business startup and tax questions. The IRS New Entrepreneur Program begins Thursday, May 4, at 9 am CT. Reserve your spot here.
Tools for Your Financial Wellness
May 2-4, 2023
Take control of your business finances in 2023 with tips from industry experts. The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center and Bank of the West are offering three sessions on financial wellness as part of their National Business Week virtual event series. Participants can sign up for one or all three free sessions.
The virtual events include:
- Economic Update for Small Business Owners: Learn what to expect in 2023 with commentary from Bank of the West Executive Vice President and Chief Economist Scott Anderson, Ph.D., and Rita Dailey, Head of Product, Segments, and Client Delivery for Small & Medium Enterprise Banking at Bank of the West. Join this live session on Tuesday, May 2, at noon PT.
- Recession Resiliency – How to Survive and Thrive: Explore best practices for navigating uncertain economies with CEO, President, and Co-founder at Hale Glass, Gloria Hale, and Paloma Vidgen, Bank of the West SME Segment Leader - Women Entrepreneurs, VP. It begins on Wednesday, May 3, at noon PT.
- SBA 101: Discover how SBA lending solutions work, the requirements, and how to apply with Roxann Burns, SVP, SME Group Credit Manager Verticals & Specialty at Bank of the West and Paloma Vidgen, Bank of the West SME Segment Leader - Women Entrepreneurs, VP. This session starts on Thursday, May 4, at noon PT.
Learn more about this virtual event series and get your free tickets here.
Social Media for Business: A Review & Game Plan for 2023
May 2, 2023
Gain a better understanding of social media promotion in this class for small business owners and digital marketers. It’s hosted by the U.S. Small Business Administration Buffalo District Office and begins Tuesday, May 2, at 9 am CT. Erik Bunaes, President and CEO of Endorphin Digital Marketing, will cover how to choose your social media platforms and develop a winning strategy, including tips on successful tactics. Click to register for this session through Eventbrite.
BBB Marketing Series for Small Businesses
May 4 and May 11, 2023
BBB of Greater Maryland Foundation offers multiple webinars throughout April and May on marketing solutions for small companies. In each workshop, an expert will walk you through an overview of the topic, real-life strategies for achieving your objectives, and how it will affect your business. See events in this collection and register at Eventbrite.
May 2023 webinar topics include:
- Gathering Customer Reviews for Social Proof to Drive Online Leads: Learn how (and why) to build social proof through reviews. Join Matt Culloty, Business Development Manager at Duckpin, on Thursday, May 4, at 7:30 am CT.
- Shifting Customer Service to Customer Experience Thru Emotional Intelligence: Explore ways to position your service-based business as a customer advocate with Kashonna Marrow, speaker, coach, author, and corporate trainer. It begins Thursday, May 11, at 7:30 am CT.
Intellectual Property Basics and Helpful Resources
May 4, 2023
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) holds this free event on the first Thursday of every month. For May, you can join online on Thursday, May 4, at 11 am CT. The course goes through the different types of intellectual property (patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets) and the reasons for protecting them. You will also learn about resources and assistance available to innovators, entrepreneurs, and students. Select an upcoming session and sign up through Eventbrite.
Work for Yourself@50+
May 4-25, 2023
AARP Foundation’s Work for Yourself@50+ empowers adults to improve financial stability. It offers several virtual workshops in May, which help individuals earn income at any age. The free sessions include the Work For Yourself@50+ 5 Simple Steps Toolkit, and you’ll have a chance to ask questions in an interactive environment. View the sessions and register on the Work for Yourself@50+ event page.
Pick an online session near you for resources geared toward your geographic region:
- El Camino College, CA: Thursday, May 4 at 9 am PT.
- Women’s Business Center of Richmond, VA: Friday, May 5 at 11:30 am ET.
- Women’s Opportunities Resource Center, PA: Tuesday, May 16 at 6 pm ET.
- New Economics for Women, CA: Monday, May 22 at 12 pm PT.
- Innovative Business Solutions, IN: Thursday, May 25 at 4 pm CT
[Read more: 6 Things Older Entrepreneurs Can Do To Improve Their Chances Of Success]
Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business
May 3, 2023
Offering employee retirement plans isn’t out of reach for small business owners. Explore retirement plan solutions, including features and benefits, through this online presentation. It’s sponsored by the NEW Women’s Business Center and led by a U.S. Department of Labor benefits advisor. It begins on Wednesday, May 3, at 2 pm CT. Sign up through Eventbrite.
Onboarding: Learn How to Successfully Obtain & Retain Your Employees
May 5, 2023
The SBA brought back its management development series. Every first Friday of the month focuses on a new topic. On Friday, May 5, at 9 am CT, the SBA’s business opportunity specialist, Benita Benta Rice, will teach you how to attract and keep employees. You can register on Eventbrite.
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.
To stay on top of all the news impacting your small business, go here for all of our latest small business news and updates.
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.
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