WHAT IS #SBS Small Business Sunday?
Small Business Sunday (#SBS) was created by Theo Paphitis in October 2010 to shine a spotlight on small businesses across the UK. Over 15 years later, it has grown into a network of around 5,000 businesses.
Each week, small businesses can enter the #SBS competition on Instagram, LinkedIn and X by sharing their business and including the hashtag #SBS. Theo and his team review the entries every Monday and announce the week’s six winners across his social channels.
Winning businesses benefit from valuable exposure, marketing support, access to closed social media groups, competitions and partner opportunities. They also get the chance to connect with other like-minded entrepreneurs and be part of a supportive business community.
Over the years, #SBS has become a trusted platform for celebrating small business success and championing entrepreneurship. It has grown into a thriving community of entrepreneurs who support, inspire and learn from one another. Many winners go on to benefit from greater visibility, new connections and fresh opportunities for growth.
Theology
Theo says, “I admire people who have passion and energy. If you cannot bore your friends to death about your own small business then something is seriously wrong. I was struck by the number of business owners on Twitter who wanted to tell me about their new products and services. Small Business Sunday was born so that people have a specific time slot to tweet and can pitch their ‘sell’ directly to me.
My vision is that everyone who has ever won an #SBS re-post from me becomes part of a friendly club. Like-minded individuals can share successes and learnings. This website will give a valuable profile to the winners chosen to date and should help those who have not yet won but want some tips on how to do so. You will find news about the latest winners plus events and activities of interest.
I know I have been lucky in business and I am keen now to spread goodwill to others, of course not forgetting that very often, you make your own luck by making use of every opportunity.”
The #SBS Event
A key part of the #SBS experience is an invitation to Theo’s annual small business event, which brings together hundreds of entrepreneurs to celebrate small business success.
The event offers a day of networking, advice and inspiration, with the chance to meet sponsors, hear from guest speakers and, for new winners, meet Theo and receive an official #SBS certificate.
It has featured speakers including Katie Piper OBE, Deborah Meaden, Sir Tom Hunter and Holly Tucker, and is supported by partners such as NatWest, Google, DHL, GS1 UK, FreeAgent, Ryman, Robert Dyas, iLaw, Spring Fair, SumUp and Lifestyle.
It remains one of the highlights of the #SBS calendar and a great opportunity for winners to connect, learn and celebrate.
