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 2025.

Together, small businesses make for big business in Canada. In fact, of the 1.1 million businesses nationwide, 98% have fewer than 100 employees opens in new window. These companies—and the entrepreneurs who lead them—mean a great deal to the economy. BDC Small Business Week, which is Oct. 19-25 this year, is a designed time to celebrate, support and empower those small business owners. Explore Small Business Week promotions to help you reach your goals.

Drive engagement

Experiences can help drive results. Consider hosting an in-person event related to your products or services. For example, a chiropractor might run an “ask the expert” Q&A and offer complimentary treatments. Or a food or beverage business might pair free or discounted beverages with entertainment or a guest speaker. Stir up excitement and offer product samples or host a raffle. Gift baskets with hot/cold packs or cutting boards make great promotional prizes.

Invite social media followers to help name a new product. Run a contest where users can submit creative name ideas, then let your audience vote on their favourites. Once a winner is declared, reward the creative contributor with a bucket hat and samples of the product they named. Send phone wallets or bumper stickers to finalists as a thank-you for sharing ideas.

Boost sales

Plan seven days’ worth of Small Business Week promotions, including exclusive discounts, limited-edition items, product bundles and more. Customers will be encouraged to come back as each day offers something different. Include bounce-back deals that incentivize shoppers to return after Small Business Week ends. Perhaps those who come back in November get a beanie/toque or fanny pack. If you run a loyalty program, offer bonus points for visiting the following week. Or give Mainsail^® totes, available only at 4imprint, as a referral award.

Show appreciation

Small Business Week might exist to celebrate entrepreneurs, but entrepreneurs can share the love with customers, supporters and beyond. For example, an online store could add thank-you gifts, such as buttons or bracelets, to each order. Or include discounts for future purchases and a personalized thank-you note. A brick-and-mortar retailer could reward shoppers who spend over a certain amount by giving a cotton tote filled with swag, like magnets, stickers and playing cards.

Thank those who join loyalty programs, sign up for marketing emails or register for other services with small business swag, like embroidered dad caps or fleece blankets. This can help drive results while showing gratitude.

Increase awareness

Find strength in numbers. Partner with some of the more than one million small businesses opens in new window across Canada on joint Small Business Week promotions. Create a small business passport, where customers earn points for visiting a variety of local stores, restaurants and more. Similar to a scavenger hunt, participants can win prizes for completing their passport or a list of challenges. Co-branded stainless steel mugs or cooler totes are sought-after prizes.

Collaborate on a special event such as a Small Business Week kickoff or close-out party. Invite other businesses to participate by hosting booths or activities. Offer food, beverages, interactive games and more. Businesses can give tickets in advance which can be redeemed at the event. Customers can score promotional giveaways, like event-branded sunglasses, can coolers or colour-changing cups (with free refills!).

Small Business Week promotions to help power up

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to clever and exciting Small Business Week ideas. By sprinkling in your own creativity and brand knowledge, you can build momentum that carries into the new year.

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