Wednesday, April 9, 2025

5 Sweet Ways to Celebrate Small Business Week (May 4–10)

Small Business Week is a great time to celebrate what makes your candy shop special. Whether you’re known for handmade caramels, chocolate-dipped everything or seasonal treats, this week is your chance to connect with your community, attract new customers and grow your business.

Here are a few practical ways to make the most of the week:

Offer Special Treats and Limited-Time Deals
Highlight new or seasonal items just for Small Business Week. Limited-time offers—like gift bundles, “buy one, get one” deals, or free samples with purchase—can help draw attention and bring in both new and returning customers.

Above is a preview of RCI’s member-exclusive collection of graphics for small businesses.

Build Hype with Social Media
Social media is a great tool to build excitement for the week. Share “behind-the-scenes” posts on Instagram showing how your candy is made or give previews of special treats. Engage your followers with sneak peeks, announcements and even live updates. RCI Members: Click here to login and download a collection of five social media graphics to help promote your small business.

Not an RCI Member? Now is a great time to join. As a member, you’ll get tools like these, plus access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and industry support designed specifically for candy businesses. Click here to learn more and apply for membership with RCI.

Tell Your Story
Customers love to shop small when they feel a personal connection. Share what makes your shop unique—whether it’s your family recipe, your focus on local ingredients or your passion for handcrafted sweets. A quick behind-the-scenes video or a post introducing your team can go a long way.

Partner with Local Businesses
Team up with other small businesses in your area. You might offer a joint promotion, host a sidewalk sale or swap flyers and shout-outs on social media. Supporting each other helps the whole community thrive—and gives shoppers more reasons to visit.

Reach Out with a Thank-You Email
Send a short email to thank your customers and let them know what you’re offering during Small Business Week. Include store hours, any special deals and a message of appreciation for their continued support.

Small Business Week is more than a celebration—it’s a chance to build momentum for the year ahead. Use this time to highlight what makes your business special and take steps toward an even sweeter future.

Looking for more inspiration? Attend RCI’s Candy Convention!
Join us for RCI’s Annual Convention & Industry Expo June 16–19 in Northern Kentucky to gain industry insights, join engaging discussions and learn from top experts. New to RCI? First-time attendees can save $100 on a 1-Day Education Ticket with promo code RCIFIRST. Don’t miss this chance to learn from industry experts and grow your business—register today and save!

Crave more? Click here to subscribe and start receiving weekly tips, like this, delivered straight to your email inbox. RCI's blog is just one of the many resources we offer to help candy makers refine their craft and build upon their business and marketing practices. Follow us on Facebook for even more sweet inspiration.

Not a member? Click here to learn how RCI can help you build your sweet business.