BDC Small Business Week ideas to celebrate entrepreneurship

By Melanie Vandenboogaard

Editor’s Note: This article is updated annually and includes new BDC Small Business Week ideas for 2026.

Small businesses play an essential role in Canada’s economy and local communities. In fact, small businesses—defined as those with fewer than 100 employees—make up 98% of all employer businesses opens in new window. Collectively, they employ over 10 million people. That’s something worth celebrating. BDC Small Business Week, held Oct. 19-25 opens in new window, is the perfect opportunity to do just that. Whether you’re looking to thank loyal customers, recognize employees or support fellow entrepreneurs, these Small Business Week ideas can help make a lasting impact. 

Host a customer appreciation event 

BDC Small Business Week provides a terrific opportunity to thank the customers who help keep your business moving forward. Host a coffee social, an after-hours open house or a customer appreciation tailgate tied to a local sporting event. 

Give branded travel mugs filled with coffee, tea or hot cocoa to welcome guests. For game-day gatherings, send invitations along with can coolers that customers can use during the event. Extend the fun beyond a single day by encouraging attendees to share photos from the celebration for a chance to win promotional prizes, like wireless chargers, beanies/toques and hoodies. Not only can these cozy gifts generate excitement, but they also help extend your brand visibility beyond Small Business Week. However you choose to celebrate, the goal is simple: Make customers feel appreciated while creating memorable experiences they’ll associate with your business. 

Recognize employees and workplace culture 

While many Small Business Week ideas focus on customers, it’s important to remember the employees who play a key role in your success. The week is a prime time for recognizing team members, boosting morale and strengthening your workplace culture. 

Host a team lunch, organize a wellness challenge or surprise employees with a custom appreciation package. Fill branded lunch bags with local snacks, favourite treats and a handwritten thank-you note to create a memorable gift. Add multi-tools if they fit your industry, or include portable speakers to thrill a broader audience.  

Give water bottles and launch a friendly hydration, walking or fitness challenge during the week. Offer running belts to winners or those who reach their goals. These small business promotional items encourage healthy habits while giving employees a fun way to connect with coworkers. 

Take BDC Small Business Week as an opportunity to recognize milestone anniversaries, major accomplishments or ongoing dedication. Give elevated gifts, like sweaters or backpacks, to those accomplished team members. After all, one of the best investments a small business can make is in the people behind its success! 

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Support other local businesses 

Think outside your organization this BDC Small Business Week and champion the other businesses that help your community thrive. Consider partnering with neighbouring shops, restaurants or service providers—any of the more than 1.2 million small businesses across Canada opens in new window—to create a collaborative event that’s greater than the sum of its parts. 

Host a downtown bingo promotion that encourages customers to visit a variety of small businesses. At each stop, visitors collect stickers for their bingo card. This simple Small Business Week idea can help customers stick around a little longer while discovering new favourites. Add to the festivities by creating themed gift bundles for winners—packaged in branded cooler totes—featuring products or gift cards from participating businesses.  

For a larger community gathering, invite fellow entrepreneurs to a shared outdoor market, networking event or fall festival. Choose event chairs or trucker caps as raffle prizes. Offer fleece blankets as premium promotional giveaways for attendees who complete an event challenge. These high-value items feel more like thank-you gifts, helping participating businesses create memorable experiences while strengthening local connections. 

Make the most of BDC Small Business Week 

BDC Small Business Week is all about recognizing the people who contribute to your success. These small business week ideas can help turn appreciation into lasting goodwill. Now that’s worth celebrating! 

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners. 

Melanie Vandenboogaard

Melanie VandenBoogaard is a senior merchandising category manager with nearly two decades of experience in the merchandising industry. She specializes in bags—including backpacks, totes, and more—staying on top of trends to ensure 4imprint offers a wide selection that meets customers’ needs in both style and price. Melanie also leads product development for 4imprint’s private-label brands, where she enjoys creating, building, and designing new products.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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