(BPT) - The bakery on the corner. The family-owned accounting firm down the street. The city’s legendary cafe that’s been around since the ‘50s. Small businesses nationwide prove the American dream is alive and well.
In fact, more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. National Small Business Week, which runs from May 1–7, is a week dedicated to recognizing the impact of countless small businesses and entrepreneurs in the U.S.
During the week, companies like Staples are celebrating small business owners by offering promotions to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. Here are three ways small businesses can get involved.
Join a professional organization
Grow your business by joining the local chamber of commerce or a business networking group. You’ll get better connected to the community and can form important alliances with other business owners that you can leverage in the future.
Lower operating costs
Position your small business for success by finding new ways to cut necessary costs. For example, as part of their commitment to helping small businesses get more for less, Staples is celebrating National Small Business Week by launching unbeatable prices on a broad selection of ink and toner cartridges, effective May 1. The unbeatable prices are here to stay and are combined with a new in-stock guarantee to help small business every day.
Put the spotlight on your business
Look for alternative, creative ways of spreading the word about your business. For example, opportunities like the Staples Make More Happen Contest — which is currently accepting submissions through May 21 — provide a platform for small businesses to showcase the work they do.
To enter, small business owners simply visit staples.com/MakeMoreHappenContest and describe in 200 words or less how their business is “making more happen.” Five winners will be selected, with each receiving on-location production of a 30-second spotlight video of their business to be featured nationally on Staples’ social media channels. Additionally, all five winners will be awarded a $1,000 Staples Print and Marketing Services package to help market their business.
This Small Business Week, keep an eye out for what you can do to help positively impact your business.