NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK
May 3-9, 2026
More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business; they create about two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
“For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3-9, and SBA will officially recognize their hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy.” U.S. Small Business Administration
Join us to celebrate, inspire, and tell the story of the resilience + renewal of our small businesses and entrepreneurs– Check out the events we hosted in 2025 below.
LUNCH AND LEARN
Lunch and Learn with Sarah Guest: Maximize Your Brand’s Visibility with Local SEO
The Greenhouse would like to thank Floridacentral Credit Union for sponsoring this Lunch and Learn
During National Small Business Week, The Greenhouse hosted an engaging Lunch and Learn focused on Local SEO and strategies for improving online visibility. The session explored how small businesses can stand out in local search results and better connect with customers across digital platforms.
Attendees learned how to effectively create and manage a Google Business Profile, maintain accurate business information across Google Search and Google Maps, and strengthen their presence on additional local listings such as Bing, Yelp, and Apple Maps. The workshop also covered how to use insights and analytics to track performance and understand customer engagement.
ST. PETE PITCH NIGHT
ST. PETE PITCH NIGHT
St. Pete Pitch Night brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders to celebrate innovation and local business growth. As St. Pete continues to evolve, the event highlighted emerging opportunities and showcased the passion driving community-based startups forward.
The evening featured a friendly pitch competition where local entrepreneurs presented their ideas in six-minute pitches, followed by six minutes of Q&A with judges and the audience. Participants competed for funding to support their ventures while gaining valuable exposure, feedback, and connections within the St. Pete business community.
St. Pete Pitch Night served as a powerful platform for elevating local talent, fostering collaboration, and investing in the future of entrepreneurship in our city.
SPONSORED BY:
STARTING A BUSINESS
Workshop: Starting a Business
Instructor: Deb Schweikowsky, Business Consultant, Florida SBDC at Pinellas County Economic Development
Description: The Starting a Business workshop provided aspiring entrepreneurs with foundational guidance on launching a business in Florida. Led by Deb Schweikowsky, the session walked attendees through essential steps such as understanding required licenses, permits, legal documents, and state-level business requirements.
Participants also explored how to refine an initial business idea into a clear, actionable plan for success. The workshop offered practical insights, expert advice, and valuable resources to help entrepreneurs confidently take their first steps toward building a sustainable business.
BUSINESS WALK & WORKSHOP
FINANCING YOUR BUSINESS
Real Talk: About Financing Your Business
Instructor: Brent Everett, Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation (U.S. Treasury–Certified Community Development Entity)
During National Small Business Week, this Business Walk & Workshop offered an honest, practical conversation about what it truly takes to finance a business startup. Led by Brent Everett of the Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation, the session focused on preparing entrepreneurs to confidently pursue funding opportunities.
Attendees gained insight into the fundamentals of business planning, explored different types of funding sources, and learned how credit requirements impact access to capital. The workshop provided clear guidance, real-world context, and actionable takeaways for entrepreneurs navigating the financial side of starting or growing a business.
This no-cost event was made possible with the support of Tampa Bay Black Business Investment Corporation (TBBBIC).
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY
Food Truck Friday brought the St. Pete community together at Williams Park for an afternoon celebrating small businesses, local flavor, and connection. The event featured a lively atmosphere with music, networking, and a wide variety of food offerings from beloved local vendors.
Attendees enjoyed an exciting lineup of food trucks, including Good Eating, Strokes Seafood, Son of a Brisket, Jenny Martinez, 4 Kings, Robinson’s Italian Ice, and more. The event highlighted St. Pete’s vibrant food scene while creating a welcoming space for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs to gather and support local businesses.
Food Truck Friday showcased the energy, culture, and community spirit that make downtown St. Pete a thriving hub for local entrepreneurship.