Celebrating National Small Business Week in Downtown Kirksville

National Small Business Week is here, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Historic Downtown Kirksville. From May 3–9, communities across the country are honoring the entrepreneurs and small business owners who keep our local economies strong—and here in Kirksville, that story starts on Main Street.

“As we celebrate National Small Business Week, I’m reminded that every storefront in our downtown tells a story of courage, creativity, and community,” said Laci Cook, Executive Director of Main Street Kirksville. “When you choose to shop, dine, and spend time on Main Street, you’re not just making a purchase—you’re helping our small businesses thrive and investing directly in Kirksville’s future.”

Why National Small Business Week Matters

For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration has used National Small Business Week to recognize the hard work, ingenuity, and resilience of America’s small businesses. This year’s celebration once again highlights how local businesses drive innovation, create jobs, and bring unique experiences you simply can’t find online or in big-box stores.

Downtown Kirksville is a perfect example of that impact. Just a short walk from Truman State University and A.T. Still University, our historic downtown is a hub of activity—home to restaurants, retailers, arts and cultural organizations, professional services, the Farmers Market, and seasonal festivals that anchor community life. Every dollar spent here circulates through the local economy, supporting jobs, sponsorships, and investments that make Kirksville a thriving regional destination.

This National Small Business Week comes at an especially exciting moment for our downtown. Earlier this spring, Kirksville was named “Best Main Street or Downtown” in Rural Missouri magazine’s 2026 Reader’s Choice Contest, a recognition of our vibrant business mix, beloved community events, and strong sense of place. The city has also recognized Main Street Kirksville’s ongoing work to preserve and promote the district as a place to shop, dine, live, work, and invest.

These honors belong to the entire community—business owners who take risks and reinvest, volunteers who give their time and talent, partners like Missouri Main Street Connection who provide invaluable support, and residents and visitors who choose to spend their time and dollars downtown.

National Small Business Week is a great time to turn appreciation into action. Here are a few simple ways to support Downtown Kirksville’s small businesses between May 3–9—and all year long:

• Shop and dine local first by making at least one purchase downtown this week, whether it’s a gift, a meal, or a service you’ve been putting off.
• Explore a new-to-you business by visiting a shop, restaurant, or office you haven’t tried before in our Main Street district.
• Leave a positive online review for your favorite downtown spots, which helps small businesses reach new customers searching for “places to eat” or “shops near me.”
• Share on social media when you visit downtown, tagging Main Street Kirksville and using Small Business Week hashtags to amplify local businesses to your friends and followers.
• Purchase a gift card from a local business to use later or to give to a friend, helping provide immediate support and future visits.

Main Street Kirksville exists to strengthen the community by creating a positive image for downtown, fostering economic development, and revitalizing and preserving our historic district. We work with property owners, entrepreneurs, city partners, and organizations like Missouri Main Street Connection to ensure our downtown remains a welcoming, vibrant place to shop, dine, be entertained, and do business.

National Small Business Week is a reminder that this work matters—and that it only succeeds when the whole community is involved. Every visit, every purchase, every event, and every shared story about Downtown Kirksville helps build a stronger future for our small businesses and for the heart of our city.