Small businesses are key to growing economic vitality in communities. For a business owner, they are a pathway to entrepreneurship, innovation and creating generational wealth. For communities, they anchor the local economy, create jobs and make neighborhoods vibrant.
National Small Business Week on May 3-9 is an opportunity to demonstrate the importance of small businesses and promote entrepreneurship as a route to economic prosperity.
New Mexico MainStreet’s Promotion team is proud to help districts and businesses celebrate Small Business Week with the following toolkit.
- New Mexico MainStreet will post all week long and share district posts when possible — please tag our page to increase visibility of this celebration.
- Districts are encouraged to promote their businesses using social media, encourage businesses to participate and add their own brilliant ideas.
- Businesses are encouraged to celebrate National Small Business Week by creating social media posts, use the suggested hashtags, share district posts and possibly hold a giveaway or promotion.
Social Media Toolkit
Goal: Promote districts and small businesses in accessible ways to drive foot traffic and increase local pride.
Strategy: Show the people behind the businesses, highlight the district experience and make it easy for followers to support local.
Hashtags: #NationalSmallBusinessWeek #ShopLocalNM #NMMainStreet #SupportLocal #ShopSmall
Graphics
The Promotion team provided both “Plug and Play” and customizable banner graphics. Click on the image to view and download, or download the entire kit with this zip file.
Plug and Play: Add storytelling in your post caption.
Banner Graphics: Use an app (such as Canva or Adobe Express) to place banner graphics on top of your own photos.
Additional Ideas
Rotate your content
- Reels (best reach)
- Photo carousels
- Simple graphics
- Short video clips (walkthroughs, storefronts)
Other business posting prompts
- “Meet the owner” – why I love what I do, how I can help you…
- “Best-selling item” and why!
- “What shop local means to you and why it matters.”
- “Customer favorite” employee, day to shop, specials…
- “# of years in business – why I am located in the district.”
Suggested Content Plan
Sunday, May 3: Kickoff
Theme: Celebrate Local
- Post: “It’s National Small Business Week!”
- Content: Collage or reel of district businesses.
- Call to Action: “Tag your favorite local business.”
Bonus:
- Share NMMS Route 66 tie-in, if relevant.
Monday, May 4: Meet the Owners
Theme: Faces of MainStreet
- Post: Short story and photo of 2–3 business owners.
- Consider featuring a long-time business and brand new business owner.
- Keep it human, not corporate
Prompt for businesses:
- “Why did you open your business?” or “Why I love what I do.”
Tuesday, May 5: Shop & Support
Theme: Easy Ways to Support
- Post: Graphic or reel to shop local, leave a review, share a post, or tell a friend.
Engagement post:
- “Drop your business below and tell us what you sell.”
Wednesday, May 6: Hidden Gems
Theme: Discovery
- Post: “Three businesses you may not know about.”
- Focus on new businesses, tucked-away spots or unique offerings.
Thursday, May 7: Midweek Momentum
Theme: Midweek Push
- Post: “Take a break—shop/dine downtown today.”
- Highlight lunch spots, coffee shops or quick stops.
Engagement post:
- Poll: “Coffee or lunch date downtown?”
Friday, May 8: Throwback & Impact
Theme: Then & Now
- Post: Historic photo and current photo of district.
- Message: “Small businesses keep our districts alive.”
Business post:
- Historic photo of your business or property.
Saturday, May 9: Grand Finale
Theme: Show Up & Shop
- Post: “Finish the week strong— shop local today!”
- Include: map, list of businesses or any promos/events.
Engagement post:
- “Where are you shopping today?”