SBA opens nominations for 2026 National Small Business Week Awards
The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards, which will honor the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses.
The celebration will take place May 3-9, recognizing the companies that represent 99% of all businesses, create two out of every three new jobs and employ about half of the U.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 announcing the awards.
Matt Coleman, the SBA’s Atlantic regional administrator for New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, urged entrepreneurs to participate.
“I strongly encourage entrepreneurs to submit nominations for National Small Business Week this year to highlight their incredible stories of growth and perseverance,” he said.
Nominations are open until Dec. 8 at 7 a.m. Eastern. One business owner from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the USVI and Guam will be honored as State Small Businessperson of the Year, competing for the national title.
Additional awards will cover categories including exporting, disaster recovery and federal procurement.
