Back in June 2020, I became a #SBS official winner over on Twitter after entering Small Business Sunday! This is a weekly initiative, set up by Theo Paphitis in 2010, which now has over 4,000 #SBS winners and supports small businesses here in the UK. 2025 sees the 15th anniversary of #SBS Small Business Sunday, since Theo launched it in October 2010.
I’d entered several times before, with no joy, and so I changed my pitch slightly and was thrilled to find out the following evening that I was one of six small businesses to gain a repost by Theo to his half a million Twitter followers!
It’s incredible to have support from Theo because he’s recognised all of my hard work and has helped spread the word about what I do to his following. I was so thrilled I created this box card ‘award’ to celebrate my achievement! 🎉
Part of being a #sbswinner means that you are invited to attend the #SBSwinners event each year in Birmingham. For many reasons I was unable to attend until this year and, oh my goodness, it was amazing!
I got to meet and network with lots of other winners, had opportunities to hear from businesses such as Google and Natwest on how to grow in business and got to hear from Theo Paphitis who spoke on stage. He is thrilled to welcome new #SBS members every week and highlight just how important it is to support small businesses here in the UK. His vision is that everyone who has ever won a #SBS re-tweet from him becomes part of a friendly club; like-minded individuals who can share successes and learnings.
At the end of the event I collected my certificate and queued up to meet Theo and have a photograph taken with him. Such a proud moment!
Anyone looking for a small business boost from Theo should post to him on X, LinkedIn or Instagram about their business on Sundays between 5pm and 7.30pm and include the hashtag #SBS. Six lucky businesses are chosen every Monday at 8pm and then invited to enter their profile on the #SBS website, attend the annual #SBS networking event and take advantage of the networking opportunities made available.
Absolutely can’t wait until next year to do it all again!
Suzanne
Esselle Crafts 