In some cases, it's easy for these enterprises to remain underappreciated and ignored by the public at large. After all, large corporations have longer reaches and bigger marketing budgets than their small counterparts. As a result, it's difficult for independent organizations to find the recognition that they so richly deserve.

Fortunately, the federal government has sought to rectify this situation. Recently, President Barack Obama declared that June 16 to June 22 will be known as Small Business Week. In a statement, the president urged all Americans to go out and recognize small businesses.

This is part of a growing trend that has seen independent organizations receive enhanced recognition. The growing awareness arguably started in 2010 when American Express first began sponsoring Small Business Saturday, which NY1 explains is a shopping holiday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The celebration's popularity has grown in recent years as an increasing number of small businesses have started participating. As a result, consumers have begun turning to local companies at the start of the busy holiday shopping season.

Small Business Week is a great opportunity for owners to boost brand recognition and increase sales. One way to achieve these objectives is by distributing unique promotional products throughout the week to attract customers and convince them to buy new merchandise. Consumers will love participating in giveaways and receiving small gifts for visiting various establishments. Every type of business can capitalize on Small Business Week by handing out great promotional items throughout the week. Moreover, the presents will help companies increased brand exposure for extended periods of time.

Below is a look at items that different businesses can give away.

For restaurants
Restaurants are some of the most popular small businesses. From bars and pizza places to food trucks and high-end eateries, many customers love going to local establishments instead of chains that usually don't have the best food. Consumers prefer a personal touch which can only truly be delivered by independent restaurants.

For Small Business Week, restaurateurs can distribute promotional pens to every customer. The writing utensils should be given to servers who can then give the items away when diners are ready to pay their bills. Recipients will think of the eateries every time they write down notes with the great gifts.

Alternatively, restaurants can hold special contests and give out personalized business gifts as the grand prizes. For instance, a logo-emblazoned glass can be the reward for a different winner every night. Restaurateurs should require participants to be in the establishment in order to win. While customers wait to see if they won, they'll likely buy food and drinks to pass the time, which will increase revenue for the establishment.

For retailers
Retail outlets have many different options when it comes to their promotional marketing products for Small Business Week. The most pragmatic gifts that merchants can distribute are promotional notepads and pens so that customers can write their shopping lists before heading out every day. Every time a recipient scribbles down an item, he or she will develop brand recognition and may visit the store that gave the gifts away.

Stores can also take a different route by distributing other functional items like promotional umbrellas, key chains and travel mugs. Consumers would appreciate one or all of these items and cherish them for extended periods of time.

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However, the trend isn't limited to companies and government offices as national landmarks have also jumped into the eco-friendly fray. For instance, the Grand Canyon recently banned the sale of plastic water bottles, according to Time Magazine. The move will stem a major pollutant in the canyon as the disposable containers account for 20 percent of all pollution at the national park. 

To encourage the use of refillable bottles, filling stations have been installed. Visitors can walk up to the fountains to fill their bottles with refreshing aqua. Consumers will not be charged for reusing the bottles, which will likely motivate many people to take advantage of the new service. 

Small business owners can also encourage customers to go green by distributing sponsored bottles during promotional giveaways. The functional items will help clients quench their thirsts without harming the environment. What's more, the bottles also generate brand exposure even when consumers are hiking in the Grand Canyon. 

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However, some owners overlook some great resources that can streamline basic procedures and even lead to stronger revenue. The web contains a multitude of services and news sources that can immediately benefit small businesses. 

Read on for a list of the top five free online resources you should be using. 

1. The OPEN Forum
The American Express OPEN Forum is one of the best places to seek advice from industry leaders, experts from various fields and other small business owners. All of these contributors provide unique perspectives that can teach entrepreneurs. The site is regularly updated with new articles and videos from thought leaders. 

One reason the OPEN Forum is so beneficial is that contributors produce content about the latest trends for almost every aspect of business. From social media marketing and new employee training to leadership and client retention, the site covers practically every topic that a small business owner likely has questions about. 

2. Survey Monkey
Entrepreneurs should regularly seek feedback from both clients and employees. These groups can tell owners what aspects of a business must improve and what ones should be expanded upon in the future. However, conducting polls and measuring responses isn't the simplest task in the world, but Survey Monkey can handle almost every aspect of research. 

Survey Monkey uses a tiered pricing plan so that entrepreneurs can find the perfect option for their needs. The free plan is the most basic, but likely includes enough features to help most small business owners. This pricing model allows companies to put 10 questions in their surveys and receive 100 unique responses. 

3. Skype
Video conferencing has become extremely popular, especially as remote working has gone from rare to common. Small business owners can easily integrate communication software into their companies, but most software is expensive. 

However, one of the most popular video conferencing applications is completely free for basic calls. Skype can be downloaded on almost every computer and allows entrepreneurs to contact other users without ever paying a dime. What's more, the service also has calling features for landlines and mobile devices for modest rates so small business owners could essentially replace their phones with Skype. 

4. SBA.gov
Almost every small business owner has worked with the Small Business Administration at one point or another. The federal agency and its state offices helps independent companies access necessary resources and provides advice for important matters. 

The SBA's website is also a valuable resource to small business owners across the United States. The site features links to loans, grants, local resources and helpful tips. The SBA basically developed a one-shop stop so that entrepreneurs wouldn't have to waste hours scouring the internet for specific information. Almost every question and concern can be dealt with by accessing the SBA's page. 

5. NFIB
Few organizations do as much for small businesses as the National Federation of Independent Business. The group offers all types of assistance to entrepreneurs, even those who aren't card-carrying members. Many of the NFIB's blog articles and advice are free to access so that every small business owner can use the information. Additionally, the NFIB regularly releases survey results and new research about how members feel about specific issues, including the direction of the economy. Basically, the NFIB's website is a great place for small business owners who want to read late-breaking news and helpful content. 

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Additionally, because the cost of travel continues to increase, many consumers can only afford to see their far-flung family members once per year. This means that the reunions held in July are truly special occasions that mean the world to families. In some cases, it may be years before the entire group is back together again so it's important that the parties are enjoyable for all involved. What's more, The Old Farmer's Almanac explains that July is a popular month for weddings so some of these reunions will likely include the ceremonies, which means they have to be memorable.

Many personalized business gifts work well as both wedding favors and small tokens at family gatherings. For instance, party planners can distribute custom tins of candy by placing them at everyone's seat so they know where to sit while enjoying sweet treats before dinner. Alternatively, promotional tote bags can have a family's name emblazoned on the side and given out so relatives can carry all the gifts they receive from loved ones.

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On its easiest day, teaching is a very stressful profession. Educators spend hours watching children, showing them important lessons, grading projects and then preparing work for the next day. What's more, teachers have to constantly reach out to parents and administrators to ensure that all students are receiving the help they need in positive environments.

Small business owners should help teachers enjoy their time away from the classroom by distributing fun promotional marketing products over the next few months. For instance, inflatable beach balls will help educators have fun in the sun when they hit the beach during July and August.

Giving out fun beach-themed promotional items will help entrepreneurs endear themselves to teachers. Educators will appreciate the gifts and may return the favor by visiting local establishments. What's more, the logos on the presents will help increase brand awareness so recipients will remember what companies were thoughtful this summer. 

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What's more, tablets are especially popular among business professionals. Many employees use their personal devices to complete work-related projects and connect with associates. Some companies even go as far as to give tablets to every staff member to ensure that all workers have access to cutting-edge technology. 

However, tablets have one slight drawback in that they are particularly fragile, especially compared to other devices. The large screens can easily crack if owners aren't careful to protect their gadgets at all times. 

Small business owners can help protect tablets by distributing carrying cases as personalized business gifts to employees and valued clients. The custom presents show recipients that entrepreneurs care and will go the extra mile for everyone they work with. 

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A new study shows that patients can fight this disease by taking short walks. According to HealthDay, research conducted by Loretta DiPietro, chairwoman of the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, and her team has revealed that three 15-minute walks after eating is more effective that 45-minute walks for maintaining blood sugar levels. 

"This is among the first studies to really address the timing of the exercise with regard to its benefit for blood sugar control," DiPietro said. 

The research should help consumers fight the disease by making healthy choices, such as exercising after meals instead of sitting on the couch. 

However, with the summer's imminent arrival, some people might be hesitant to go for walks in the heat. Small business owners can encourage customers to go for walks by distributing logo-emblazoned water bottles during promotional giveaways. Clients may be more likely to participate in healthy activities if they can stay cool while doing so. 

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Many schools have large crowds at every game, but not every university distributes promotional marketing products at their stadiums. San Diego State University will hold promotional giveaways throughout the football season to attract fans and bolster school spirit. According to GoAztecs.com, the university will have logo-emblazoned items for all six home games during the 2013 season. 

Arguably, the best giveaway will be on September 21, when the first 30,000 fans will be given t-shirts with team's symbol and the phrase "We are Aztecs" to show support while the squad plays Oregon State. The event is known as the Black Out because the athletic department wants all fans to wear black for the game. 

Small business owners can follow SDSU's example by distributing sponsored t-shirts as promotional items. The garments advertise companies every time recipients wear them so other consumers will develop brand recognition. 

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"The fans asked and we listened. Providing more, unique giveaway items and promotional events is our way of showing Padres fans that their feedback and their support matter to us. We appreciate them, our players appreciate them, and we're excited to spend our summer together at Petco Park," Fowler stated. 

The Padres will be giving away fedoras, reusable tote bags and other items during events throughout the remainder of the season. The gifts should convince some fans to buy tickets and come to the park. 

This is a lesson that all small business owners should learn. Using promotional items and scheduling events in advanced can help ensure that customers actually visit the establishments. What's more, logo-emblazoned products help bolster brand recognition. 

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The holiday commemorates the day that the colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. Traditionally, Independence Day involves firework shows, flags and an enormous sense of patriotic pride. Small business owners can help customers celebrate the U.S. by holding unique giveaways in the days and weeks leading up to the big day. Here are a few planning tips small business owners should follow before their events in early July. 

Pick the date carefully
Timing is everything when it comes to marketing events. Obviously, entrepreneurs need to find the optimal moments to schedule their giveaways to ensure that customers will actually attend. After all, if no one shows up to receive promotional items brand exposure won't increase. 

Scheduling a giveaway near the Fourth of July is a bit tricky. First, consumers won't participate in events on the actual day. Also, Time and Date explains that the holiday falls on a Thursday in 2013. This makes picking the perfect date difficult because some customers might not be able to attend giveaways during the work week. 

Perhaps the best way to hold a marketing event for Independence Day is to start it the Saturday before the actual holiday and allow the celebration to continue through July 3. This ensures that all patrons have plenty of time to visit an establishment and partake in the patriotic proceedings. Ultimately, this lengthy format helps small business owners attract customers and raise brand awareness. 

Have sufficient supplies
With an extended giveaway, small business owners face a very particular set of challenges. Specifically, with so many days when customers can come in and receive promotional marketing products, entrepreneurs must ensure that they have sufficient supplies so that no clients walk away disappointed. 

When businesses promise giveaways, they must make good on that guarantee. When patrons aren't given special gifts, they'll likely develop negative opinions of that company. In some cases, unhappy consumers may go online and post unfavorable reviews on social networks and websites like Yelp. 

Entrepreneurs should determine how many promotional items they should purchase well before the giveaways begin. One way to gauge consumers' interests in specific items is to conduct a survey and ask customers what gifts they'd actually want to receive. By taking this step, owners will ensure that they can purchase the optimal amount of merchandise and no one will be upset that they missed out. What's more, researching client expectations will prevent owners from having an abundance of patriotic presents on the fifth of July. 

How to decorate gifts for Independence Day
Consumers expect patriotic themes and imagery on Independence Day. The Fourth of July is supposed to be a celebration of the American spirit and the country's origins. As a result, small business owners must find ways to incorporate American symbols into promotional items and other marketing materials. 

The simplest way to make sponsored gifts patriotic is by using red, white and blue. The flag's colors are important to Americans and are easy to include on promotional presents. What's more, small business owners can emulate the flag by using white stars and red stripes. Alternatively, emblazoning bald eagles and other symbols on gifts will make them stand out. 

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