America’s Small Business Week Returns with Free Virtual Summit and Nationwide Celebrations

By Kekeletso Nkele, small.news Assistant

(small.news) — For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has celebrated National Small Business Week, reports Traders Union.

This event acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s small business owners. This year’s edition runs from May 3 to 9, 2026. The SBA is marking it with in-person ceremonies, a multi-state tour, and a free two-day online summit open to business owners across the country.

This year, the SBA notes that small businesses are benefiting from new pro-growth incentives from the America First agenda. These include historic deregulation, fair trade, and Working Family Tax Cuts. These actions have already restored opportunity and investment on Main Street.

The Virtual Summit: Free, Open, and Packed with Practical Content

The free online summit, co-sponsored by America’s SBDC, will take place on 5 and 6 May from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. Registration is required. The two-day event is for both established business owners and those just starting out. Major corporate sponsors will deliver sessions on pressing issues facing small businesses today.

The agenda includes sessions by cosponsors like Visa, T-Mobile, Google, Verizon, Paychex, TriNet, Amazon, Block, Grasshopper Bank, Lockheed Martin, ZenBusiness, Fiserv, Meta, and America’s SBDC. Topics cover protecting businesses against fraud, closing the capital access gap, using AI to reclaim time, understanding compensation trends, and writing better contract proposals.

Beyond the workshops, participants can engage with peers and industry experts. These connections help small business owners expand their networks, share best practices, and find new business opportunities.

Kicking Off in Washington, Then Hitting the Road

The SBA’s recognition of National Small Business Week begins with a National Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., on 3 May. The celebration continues throughout the week online via the Virtual Summit and in person with a tour to Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the agency is eager to co-host this year’s summit. She wants to help small businesses make the most of the current policy environment. She said Main Street is positioned for another record year in 2026, thanks to tax cuts, deregulation, and fair trade. The SBA will continue to support businesses with training, capital, and contract opportunities.

America’s SBDC, as co-host, echoed that commitment. Leadership noted that small businesses form the foundation of local and national economies. Their expert advisors are committed to supporting businesses’ success. Practical, no-cost resources and mentorship will remain accessible nationwide.