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Nomination Open for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially opened nominations for the prestigious 2026 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards, which includes the esteemed title of Small Business Person of the Year. This initiative provides an exciting opportunity to recognize and celebrate remarkable entrepreneurs and small business owners who have made significant contributions to the economy and their communities.

The Significance of National Small Business Week

Celebrating Entrepreneurship

Since its inception in 1964, National Small Business Week has been acknowledged through a presidential proclamation that underscores the essential role that entrepreneurs and small businesses play in bolstering the U.S. economy. This annual event is vital for highlighting outstanding achievements in business, innovation, and community engagement.

Awards Highlight Business Excellence

The NSBW Awards serve to shine a spotlight on exceptional business accomplishments, marking the dedication and hard work of small business owners. By honoring these individuals, the SBA hopes to inspire others in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and promote further innovation.

How to Submit Nominations

Nomination Details

Nominations can be submitted by individuals or on behalf of a business owner within the community. It’s crucial to submit all entries by December 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT. Interested candidates can find nomination forms, eligibility criteria, and specific guidelines available directly through the SBA.

Types of National Awards

The SBA is set to accept nominations for various highly recognized national awards, including:

• Small Business Person of the Year: A prestigious award open to nominees from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. Successful candidates should demonstrate significant business success and a strong commitment to community service.

• Small Business Exporter of the Year: Recognizing those who excel in exporting goods and services.

• Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery: These awards include:

  • Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery
  • Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery – Mitigation

• 8(a) Graduate of the Year: Honoring the accomplishments of former participants in the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.

• Counseling Awards: This category features several honors such as:

  • SCORE National Chapter of the Year
  • Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Award
  • Veterans Business Outreach Center Excellence in Service Award
  • Women’s Business Center of the Year Award

Local District Office Awards

Recognizing Local Entrepreneurs

In addition to the national accolades, the SBA’s 68 District Offices also present awards to local entrepreneurs through the District Office Awards. These awards commend the outstanding contributions of small business owners within their communities.

Categories for the Minnesota District Office

The Minnesota District Office will warmly accept nominations for several specific categories, including:

• Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Celebrating a veteran entrepreneur who has successfully managed the ups and downs of starting a business.

• Veteran Small Business Champion: Recognizing individuals committed to promoting the interests of veteran-owned businesses.

• Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Honoring exceptional leadership in fostering women’s business ownership.

• Women in Business Champion: Acknowledging those dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs.

• Encore Entrepreneur: Celebrating individuals who have embarked on their entrepreneurial journey after the age of 50.

• Family-Owned Small Business: Recognizing multi-generational businesses with a minimum of 15 years in operation.

• Young Entrepreneur: Acknowledging a majority owner who will not turn 30 by June 1, 2026.

Questions and Additional Information

For more detailed information or inquiries, you can reach out to Saolia Tucker, Business Development Coordinator, at [email protected].

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

In navigating the complexities of the nomination process, the AI legalese decoder can be an invaluable tool for entrepreneurs. This advanced tool can help demystify the legal jargon often found in the SBA’s nomination guidelines and criteria, making the process more accessible. By breaking down complex language and providing clear explanations, the AI legalese decoder allows potential nominees to focus on showcasing their achievements effectively, ensuring that their nominations align perfectly with the required criteria. Whether it’s understanding eligibility requirements or preparing nomination materials, this tool can streamline the entire experience for aspiring nominees.

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