About #SBS
#SBS is one of the leading small business networks in the UK, created by TV Dragon and Retail Entrepreneur, Theo Paphitis.
Small Business Sunday, shortened to the hashtag #SBS on social media, was launched by Theo in October 2010, and has been helping small businesses think BIG for over 15 years.
Theo is best known for appearing on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. He is Chairman of Ryman, Boux Avenue, Robert Dyas and London Graphic Centre.
"My vision is that everyone who has ever won a #SBS award from me becomes part of a supportive community - supporting each other to thrive, grow and realise all the opportunities available to them."
Since 2010, Theo has rewarded small businesses that send and tag him @TheoPaphitis in a social post on a Sunday, and describe their businesses in one post – including the all-important hashtag #SBS.
#SBS now runs on X, Instagram and LinkedIn, allowing small businesses to enter by posting or commenting about their business whilst tagging @theopaphitis and using the all-important hashtag #SBS.
Only posts/comments made in the time slot between 5.00 PM and 7.30 PM each Sunday count.
Every Monday night at 8pm, Theo announces his favourite lucky six who are then re-posted. As he has a large social media following, this provides a massive boost to the chosen winners. They also gain access to a network of like-minded small and micro businesses in the UK.
The benefits range from increased social media followers, positive media publicity and crucially for many, increased sales. Of course, none of this is guaranteed as it is largely down to perseverance and hard work. A smidgen of luck comes in handy, and as Theo says, you get out what you put in!
Theo Paphitis “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. When I started #SBS in 2010, I was struck by the number of business owners 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. There are now over 4,500 in the community.
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 to spread goodwill to others, of course not forgetting that very often, you make your own luck by making use of every opportunity.
What does #SBS mean to our winners?
