More than 6,000 businesses have signed up to support UK Small Business Week 2026 within days of its pre-launch campaign, organisers have revealed, with thousands more expected to join before the initiative officially begins next week.
The nationwide campaign, created by the Entrepreneurs Circle, aims to encourage consumers to support independent businesses while celebrating the contribution small firms make to local communities and the wider economy.
Running from 1-7 June, UK Small Business Week will spotlight the role of small businesses in creating jobs, supporting high streets and driving economic activity across the country.
Organisers said the strong early response reflects growing concern among business owners about the challenges facing the SME sector.
Nigel Botterill, founder of the Entrepreneurs Circle and the driving force behind the initiative, said small businesses continue to face significant pressures despite their importance to local economies.
“Small businesses are the people opening up early, staying late and taking risks every single day,” he said.
“They create jobs, support local communities and keep this country moving.
“And yet right now many business owners feel like they’re being squeezed from every direction.
“That’s exactly why we created UK Small Business Week.”
The campaign is encouraging business owners to register, promote their involvement and demonstrate their support for Britain's small business community. Consumers are also being urged to shop locally and support independent retailers and service providers.
Botterill said small firms often struggle to achieve the same visibility as larger companies despite playing a vital role in their communities.
“Big businesses have giant marketing budgets and teams of people focused on visibility,” he said.
“Small businesses often have an owner trying to do the social media after locking up at night.
“But they’re the businesses sponsoring local football teams, employing local people and holding communities together.
“They deserve backing.”
He added that the campaign was intended as a "call to arms" for both businesses and consumers.
“If you run a business, get involved. If you buy from businesses, show up,” he said.
“Because every time somebody chooses to support a small business, they’re supporting a real person, a real family and somebody who has taken a risk to build something.”
Organisers expect participation to increase significantly as the launch date approaches, with businesses from across the UK already registering their support for the initiative.