For over 50 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has organized and hosted National Small Business Week (NSBW) during the first week of May. NSBW recognizes and emphasizes the importance of small businesses in the United States and their contributions to its economic well-being, with 33.2 million small businesses employing 61.2 million U.S. employees in 2021.

“Small businesses make up 99.8% of Texas businesses and employ 45% of the Texas workforce,” said Heather Massey, vice president of communications for BBB serving the Heart of Texas. “They are a key component in the strength of the Texas economy, and the pandemic continues to take a heavy toll on their operations.”

Unfortunately, small business owners often must overcome multiple challenges for continued success and longevity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics, the survival rate of small businesses fluctuates significantly in the first 10 years of operation.

• Approximately 82% of small businesses survive their first year in business.
• Approximately 55% of small businesses survive their fifth year in business.
• Approximately 35% of small businesses survive their 10th year in business.

To ensure entrepreneurs have every opportunity to succeed in their business venture, the SBA and BBB offer free webinars, training events and conferences during NSBW and throughout the year. Current and future business owners can attend these events by registering at SBA.gov/NSBW and BBB.org. The theme for NSBW 2022 is Building a Better America Through Entrepreneurship, with SBA’s four-day virtual summit beginning on May 2. BBB is hosting various educational events in communities across Texas, including Victoria, Corpus Christi, Laredo, Boerne and Kingsville. The nonprofit organization is also partnering with the Ingleside Chamber of Commerce to host Small Business Appreciation Day, celebrating the achievements of small business owners and their role in local communities.

“BBB encourages consumers to shop locally during National Small Business Week to show support for their local business community,” said Massey.

This NSBW, show appreciation for the small businesses in your community by following these recommendations from your Better Business Bureau:

• Shop local. Before buying an item from a major corporation, search your community to determine if a local retailer offers the same thing. Instead of purchasing the newest best-selling book or home gadget from a mass retailer or online, support your local community and meet the small business entrepreneurs in your area. Most companies have an option to order online and pick up at the store for even more convenience when shopping local.
• Go to the source. While there will always be times when delivery is the best option, consumers should try to go directly to the source of purchase. Third-party delivery services charge restaurants fees to use their services, taking away from the profit margins of small businesses. Small businesses listing their products on “digital shops,” such as Amazon or eBay, may also have a percentage of the sale diverted to the hosting website. By going directly to the source of these products, consumers can support small businesses by removing the middleman.
• Be social. Support small businesses in your community by “liking” them on social media, writing positive reviews, posting positive photos and tagging the company in your posts. Promoting these businesses through social channels has the same effect as “word-of-mouth” recommendations, enhancing their digital presence.
• Participate in community events. Farmers’ markets, networking events, community celebrations and national holiday celebrations are fantastic avenues to support locally-owned small businesses, meet your community and learn what local businesses offer. It is also where ideas, opportunities, and knowledge can be shared, strengthening your small business community.
• Offer assistance. Be generous and forthcoming with any help you can provide to a small business. If you have technical or skilled expertise, such as an electrician or a lawyer, consider offering your services to small businesses in your community at a discounted rate while they recoup from the disruption caused by the pandemic. If you see an area where a small business is struggling that you are knowledgeable of, offer recommendations and build mutually beneficial relationships.

Better Business Bureau hosts a resource center specifically tailored to the needs of small businesses across North America. Consumers can access these resources for free at BBB.org/SmallBusiness.