The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.
National Small Business Week, scheduled for May 3-9, 2026, recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which make up 99% of all U.S. businesses, create two of every three new jobs and employ about half of the nation’s workforce.
“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,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said in a statement. “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.”
A business owner from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam will be recognized as State Small Business Person of the Year. Those winners will compete for SBA’s top honor, the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year.
The SBA will also present awards in categories including exporting, disaster recovery and federal procurement. National awards will be presented at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., during National Small Business Week.
Nominations must be submitted electronically by 7 a.m. ET on Dec. 8, 2025, at sba.gov/nsbw, where forms, criteria and additional information are available.
