What Is National Small Business Week and What You Can Do Right Now

Every May, the U.S. Small Business Administration sets aside an entire week to recognize the people who did the hard thing. The ones who filed the paperwork, figured out the taxes, built something from scratch, and kept showing up even when it was not easy. This year, National Small Business Week runs May 3 through 9, 2026, and if you have ever thought about starting a business or you are already in the middle of building one, this week was made for you.

Small business is personal to me. It is the heartbeat behind what I do at Carolina Blogging. So when Small Business Week rolls around, I show up for it. Because the people building things in this community deserve to be seen and supported.

What Is National Small Business Week?

National Small Business Week is an annual recognition by the U.S. Small Business Administration honoring the contributions of America’s small business owners and the communities they serve. This year’s celebration includes in-person events across the country and a free Virtual Summit on May 5 and 6 featuring educational workshops, access to federal resources, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs at every stage of the journey.

Find everything at sba.gov/nsbw and join the national conversation using #SmallBusinessWeek and tagging @sbagov.

What You Can Actually Do This Week

This is not just a week to celebrate. It is a week to take action. Whether you are brand new to the idea of starting a business or you have been operating for a while and need to shore up your foundation, here are the most important steps you can take right now.

Where do I even start if I have a business idea but no plan?

Start with a free conversation. You do not need to have everything figured out before you ask for help. That is exactly what these resources exist for.

The NC Small Business Center Network has over 58 centers hosted at community colleges across North Carolina offering free confidential counseling and workshops. Find yours at ncsbc.net.
The Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center in Wilmington offers one-on-one business counseling, workshops on starting and growing a business, and access to market research and networking opportunities. Reach them at sbc@cfcc.edu or at cfcc.edu.
The EDPNC Small Business Advisors offer free personalized consultations covering licensing, legal structure, taxes, and compliance. Call them at 1-800-228-8443.
If you are in South Carolina, your state has similar free resources available through its Small Business Development Centers at scsbdc.com.

Are there free classes I can take to learn the basics?

Yes, and more than most people realize.

The NC Small Business Center Network offers free workshops on starting a business, writing a business plan, understanding your finances, and marketing, both in person and virtually.
The SBTDC offers free management counseling, a Business Start-Up Guide covering legal structures, tax requirements, and funding strategies, and a free Startup Accelerator Program. Explore their resources at sbtdc.org.
The SBA Virtual Summit content from May 5 and 6 may be available on demand after the event at sba.gov/nsbw.
Location is not a barrier. Most of these workshops are available virtually so you can access them from anywhere in the Carolinas.

How do I know what licenses or permits my business actually needs?

This is one of the most common questions new entrepreneurs ask and the honest answer is that it depends entirely on your specific situation.

North Carolina does not have a single generic business license that covers all requirements. What you need is specific to your industry and your location.
The best first step is a free consultation with the EDPNC Small Business Advisors at 1-800-228-8443. They can walk you through exactly what applies to your business type and location.
The NC.gov Plan My Business guide at nc.gov/working/business-nc/plan-my-business is a step-by-step resource covering business structure, name availability, licensing, and tax registration in plain language.

What if I want to form an LLC but do not know where to start?

You do not need an attorney and you do not need to pay a third party service to do this for you.

Start by checking your business name availability at the NC Secretary of State Business Registry at sosnc.gov.
Connect with your local Small Business Center before you file anything so you have guidance before you spend a dollar.
The NC.gov Plan My Business guide walks you through filing Articles of Organization, registering for taxes and licenses, and understanding your legal structure options.
For a detailed breakdown of the resources available to you at every step, read my full guide to starting an LLC in North Carolina right here on Carolina Blogging. [internal link to carolinablogging.com/starting-an-llc-in-north-carolina-top-resources-for-entrepreneurs]

What should I do right now if I am not ready to start a business but I am curious?

Start learning before you commit anything. That is the smartest move you can make.

Browse the free workshop calendar at your nearest NC Small Business Center at ncsbc.net.
Read through the resources at sba.gov/nsbw this week while they are front and center.
Follow @carolinablogging on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for ongoing small business content rooted in real experience right here in the Carolinas.
Explore the Behind the Brand series here on Carolina Blogging, where I walk through the real decisions and real costs of building a small business from scratch in North Carolina.

The TL;DR Cheat Sheet

National Small Business Week is May 3 through 9, 2026 at sba.gov/nsbw
Free one-on-one counseling is available through the NC Small Business Center Network at ncsbc.net
Cape Fear Community College Small Business Center is available at sbc@cfcc.edu
EDPNC Small Business Advisors offer free consultations at 1-800-228-8443
Free workshops and classes are available in person and virtually through SBTDC at sbtdc.org and the NC Small Business Center Network
NC does not have a single generic business license, your requirements are specific to your business
The NC.gov Plan My Business guide walks you through LLC formation step by step
SC entrepreneurs can find similar free resources at scsbdc.com
Use #SmallBusinessWeek to join the national conversation this week

You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone

The resources exist. The guidance is free. The only thing standing between you and your first step is making the call or clicking the link.

This week is the perfect reason to do both.