Calling for Nominations: Recognizing Small Business Achievements

WASHINGTON, Sept. 07, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WASHINGTON┬áÔÇô Today, Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the voice for AmericaÔÇÖs 33 million small businesses in President BidenÔÇÖs Cabinet, announced the call for nominations for the 2024 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards.

The NSBW Awards serve to commend the outstanding achievements, triumphs, contributions, and resilience demonstrated by SBA-assisted small businesses that play an integral role in driving the American economy.

The impact of small businesses on the nation’s economy is immense. As Administrator Guzman highlights, “From mom-and-pop shops to innovative startups, small businesses create good jobs, provide vital services, and help define the identities of the neighborhoods and communities they serve.”

Acknowledging the accomplishments and important contributions of small businesses across the country, National Small Business Week represents an opportune moment to recognize and celebrate their efforts.

To participate in this celebration and nominate a deserving small business owner in your area, or to access relevant forms, criteria, and guidelines, please visit sba.gov/nsbw. Remember that all nominations must be submitted electronically by 4 p.m. ET on December 7, 2023. The grand ceremony for the NSBW Awards will take place in Washington, D.C., from April 28-29, 2024.

For nearly 60 years, the SBA has been honoring National Small Business Week, providing a platform to highlight the invaluable contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The Prestigious Small Business Person of the Year Award

At the forefront of NSBW is the esteemed Small Business Person of the Year award, which recognizes an outstanding business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. These individuals will be presented with individual State Winner awards and will subsequently compete for the title of National Small Business Person of the Year.

Expanding Award Categories

In addition to the Small Business Person of the Year award, nominations are open for the following award categories:

• Small Business Exporter of the Year
• Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery:
  • Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery
  • Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery – Mitigation
  • Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Public Official
  • Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Volunteer
• Federal Procurement Awards:
  • Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
  • Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
  • Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large prime contractors who use small businesses as suppliers and contractors)
  • 8(a) Graduate of the Year
• Awards to SBA Resource Partners:
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award
  • WomenÔÇÖs Business Center of Excellence Award
  • Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year
• Small Business Investment Company of the Year

For more information and to get in touch with local authorities and other related resources, kindly visit the official website: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/district-office-awards.

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About National Small Business Week

For nearly 60 years, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation announcing National Small Business Week. This annual event acknowledges and appreciates the significant contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. It is worth noting that more than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, which generates about two-thirds of new jobs in the U.S. each year.

During National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration seizes the opportunity to shed light on the impact of exceptional entrepreneurs, small business owners, and other key players from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Their ceaseless endeavors revolve around fostering small businesses, creating jobs for the 21st-century workforce, driving innovation, and enhancing America’s global competitiveness. To access further information, please visit the official website: www.sba.gov/nsbw.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration fuels the American dream of business ownership. As the primary resource and advocate for small businesses endorsed by the federal government, the SBA equips entrepreneurs and small business owners with the necessary resources and support to establish, expand, or recover their businesses. The SBA’s services are administered through an extensive network of SBA field offices and strategic alliances with public and private organizations. For more details, visit the official website: www.sba.gov.