National Entrepreneurs Day
National Entrepreneurs Day honors business founders across the United States on the third Tuesday of November. The day recognizes the hard work and economic drive of independent business owners. It encourages people to launch new ventures and support local shops. It also highlights how creators turn ideas into companies that strengthen neighborhoods nationwide.
Key facts
- Date
- Third Tuesday of November — floating observance
- Designated
- 2010, proclaimed by U.S. President Barack Obama
- Founders
- Siamak Taghaddos, David Hauser, and Amir Tehrani
- Status
- Special recognition day — not a public holiday
What is National Entrepreneurs Day?
National Entrepreneurs Day is an annual tribute to the creators who start businesses. Small firms create millions of jobs. They bring fresh ideas to market every day. This special day focuses attention on the grit and clear vision needed to build a lasting company from scratch.
The day also inspires new creators to turn promising ideas into real ventures. Local business groups, colleges, and mentor teams host free classes on the day. These meetups offer practical advice, funding tips, and hands-on guidance. New startups get the support they need to launch safely and grow fast.
Supporting small business founders builds stronger towns and cities. Independent shops, tech startups, and family firms spend money locally. They also hire nearby workers. Marking this day reminds communities to value the courage it takes to launch a company and guide it through tough times.
When is National Entrepreneurs Day observed?
National Entrepreneurs Day falls on the third Tuesday of November each year. It is tied to a specific day of the week rather than a fixed calendar date. Because of this, the exact date moves every year. The observance takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week and National Entrepreneurship Month in November.
Some online sites list November 19th as a fixed date, but that is a simple mistake. November 19th was merely the third Tuesday of November in 2013. In 2026, the observance falls on November 17th. Business owners should always check the calendar for the third Tuesday of the month.
Knowing the correct rule helps organizers plan events on time. Business leaders set up workshops and sales ahead of the third Tuesday. Local groups run news stories during that week. Checking the calendar early ensures no one misses the annual date.
The origins of National Entrepreneurs Day
National Entrepreneurs Day was conceived in 2010 by Siamak Taghaddos and David Hauser, co-founders of the tech firm Grasshopper, alongside founder Amir Tehrani. They noticed that while America had holidays for many worker groups, it lacked a day to honor business founders. Yet these founders drive economic growth and create new jobs.
To launch the day, Taghaddos and Hauser ran a viral social media campaign. It was known as the first Twitter petition sent to the White House. Public support grew fast. President Barack Obama signed an official presidential statement in November 2010. The White House later expanded this recognition by declaring November as National Entrepreneurship Month.
Older articles sometimes claimed that author Clay Clark created the day in 2009. Official records show that the 2010 Grasshopper campaign and White House action established the national day. Today, major business groups and government agencies recognize the third Tuesday of November as the real observance date.
Milestones of National Entrepreneurs Day
- 2010Siamak Taghaddos and David Hauser launch a social media petition to establish the day, leading to President Barack Obama's first proclamation.
- 2011President Obama expands recognition by proclaiming November as National Entrepreneurship Month across the United States.
- 2020A decade of annual proclamations solidifies the third Tuesday of November as a nationwide focus for small business support.
Why celebrating business creators matters
Starting a business takes personal commitment, long hours, and steady courage. Founders often risk their own savings. Many work without a steady paycheck for months or years. Honoring their work recognizes the sacrifice needed to build useful services, invent practical technology, and solve real problems for customers.
Independent enterprise also brings healthy choices and energy to local markets. Small companies adapt fast to changing needs. They offer new products and friendly customer service. Celebrating their wins encourages business growth, rewards fresh thinking, and opens doors for new builders to enter the market and hire workers.
Mentorship plays a key role in helping new businesses survive early on. On National Entrepreneurs Day, experienced founders share hard-earned lessons with rookie owners. Passing down proven tips creates strong business networks. These networks can weather economic shifts and support future generations of builders.
National Entrepreneurs Day Dates
This year National Entrepreneurs Day is celebrated on Thursday, Nov 19, 2026
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Nov 19 | Thursday |
| 2027 | Nov 19 | Friday |
| 2028 | Nov 19 | Sunday |
| 2029 | Nov 19 | Monday |
| 2030 | Nov 19 | Tuesday |
| 2031 | Nov 19 | Wednesday |
How to mark National Entrepreneurs Day
Whether you run a business or want to support local founders, here are seven practical ways to participate.
Buy from local shops
Make a clear choice to buy goods and services from independent local shops today. Every purchase helps a small firm pay staff and invest back into your local town.
Leave positive reviews
Write a short, positive review online for a small business you rely on. High ratings build trust and help new customers find high-quality local services.
Share founder stories
Post about an inspiring local founder or shop owner on social media. Sharing their story brings well-earned attention to independent builders in your neighborhood.
Offer business advice
If you have business experience, spend an hour helping an early-stage founder. Simple tips on sales, cash flow, or hiring can save a new startup from expensive errors.
Thank your team
If you run a company, take time to thank your staff and celebrate recent gains. Recognizing team effort builds morale and honors the shared hard work behind your success.
Plan a new venture
Use this day to draft a business plan or research a venture idea. Local libraries and small business centers offer free tools and data to help you launch.
Shop online locally
Order products from independent online creators and makers. Small web stores rely on direct orders from loyal customers to grow their business and hire help.
Common questions
Is National Entrepreneurs Day a public holiday?
No, National Entrepreneurs Day is a special recognition day, not a public federal holiday. Government offices, banks, and schools stay open as usual, but business groups and local leaders hold special events to honor founders.
When is National Entrepreneurs Day observed?
National Entrepreneurs Day is observed every year on the third Tuesday of November. The date shifts each year rather than staying on one fixed calendar day, so it is best to check the calendar each autumn.
Who founded National Entrepreneurs Day?
Siamak Taghaddos and David Hauser, co-founders of Grasshopper, launched the campaign for the day in 2010 with Amir Tehrani. Their viral petition led President Barack Obama to sign an official presidential statement recognizing the day.
Why was National Entrepreneurs Day established?
The day was created to recognize the hard work and economic gains brought by small business founders. It aims to inspire new business creation, support local shops, and celebrate the spirit of independent enterprise.
How can small business owners participate?
Small business owners can mark the day by sharing their founder story online, running special offers, connecting with fellow owners, or guiding new entrepreneurs. It is also a great time to celebrate company wins with staff.
Are there special events hosted on this day?
Yes, chambers of commerce, business hubs, and colleges host webinars, pitch events, and founder mixers. These events help local business owners share tips and build strong professional connections.
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