Submitting an Award-Winning Nomination for SBA National Small Business Week Awards

National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3-9, and SBA will officially recognize small businesses’ hard work, ingenuity, and dedication, including their contributions to the economy.

Nominate YOUR small business (or a small business you know) for an award!

Submission Deadline:

• Monday, December 8, 2025, at 6:00am CT

2026 National Award Categories:

• Small Business Person of the Year

• Small Business Exporter of the Year

2026 Local Award Categories:

• Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year

• Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year

• Family-Owned Small Business of the Year

• Rural Small Business of the Year

• Small Business Manufacturer of the Year

• Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year

Nomination Guidelines & Forms:

• Click here for National Guidelines and Information

• Click here for Houston District Local Award Categories

Basic Eligibility Requirements:

Any legal resident of the United States or its Territories who owns 51% of a business and operates a small business for a minimum of three years and have received at least one type of SBA assistance.

We are hosting bi-weekly webinars to help complete the best possible nomination; register for one here: https://score.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rzH65w5YQf2ujRSSMulvOw