Trump Credits Policies for Small Business Revival in Annual Proclamation

President Donald Trump released a statement from the White House on May 4, 2026, proclaiming the first week of May as National Small Business Week and attributing a revival in small businesses to his administration's policies. The release emphasizes 'historic wins for Main Street' and positions the U.S. as 'a nation of builders again,' per the White House document.

The proclamation affects the nation's small business sector, which includes more than 33 million enterprises that employ about 61.5 million people, or nearly half of the private workforce, according to Small Business Administration data. It spotlights job creators in local communities, with the White House release noting rapid delivery on America First initiatives that support free enterprise.

Prior to this administration, small businesses faced regulatory and economic pressures documented in federal reports; the new proclamation declares a shift to revival, effective immediately with the week's designation starting May 4, 2026. No specific policy changes accompany the statement, but it reinforces existing support through programs like the SBA's lending and counseling services.

The proclamation activates Small Business Administration operations, including nationwide events, webinars, and awards ceremonies scheduled for the week, per standard SBA protocols for the annual observance. It also prompts federal agencies to report on small business metrics, with deadlines for updates to Congress under the Small Business Act.

State and local governments, which receive SBA grants, now coordinate related activities, triggering about $1 billion in annual federal funding flows to small business development centers.

National Small Business Week originated in 1963 under President John F. Kennedy's proclamation. The 2026 version coincides with the 250th anniversary of American independence, as noted in the White House release.