SBA Launches 2026 Small Business Awards Nominations
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards, recognizing the impact of America’s 36 million small businesses. These enterprises make up 99% of all U.S. businesses, generate two out of every three new jobs, and employ nearly half of the national workforce.
National Small Business Week will take place May 3–9, 2026, culminating in an award ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Honoring America’s Entrepreneurs
“During National Small Business Week, we honor America’s job creators and the vital role they play in making our country the greatest in the world,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “From farms to factories, hardworking small businesses are the engine of our economy, the heartbeat of local communities, and the foundation of our nation’s strength.”
SBA Regional Administrator Justin Crossie added, “National Small Business Week highlights the incredible achievements of the American entrepreneur and the small businesses they create. As these entrepreneurs follow their American Dream, we celebrate their successes and honor their hard work, innovation, and growth.”
State and National Recognition
Each state, along with the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, will select a Small Business Person of the Year. These winners will compete for SBA’s highest honor, the National Small Business Person of the Year Award.
Additional award categories include:
- Small Business Exporter of the Year
- Disaster Recovery Awards
- Federal Procurement Awards
- And other recognitions highlighting innovation and resilience
How to Nominate a Small Business
To nominate a small business and review the full list of award categories, criteria, and guidelines, visit sba.gov/nsbw. All nominations must be submitted electronically by December 8, 2025, at 7 a.m. ET.
