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