SBA opens nominations for National Small Business Week Awards

BIRMINGHAM — If you’ve had a great experience with a local small business and didn’t know how to properly show your gratitude, here’s the opportunity.

The U.S. Small Business Administration has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.

National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of the nation’s 36 million small businesses – which make up 99% of all businesses in America, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ about half of America’s workforce.

“I believe small businesses should be celebrated whenever and wherever we can,” said Janita R. Stewart, Acting District Director for the SBA Alabama District Office. “Their drive, determination, innovation, and economic impact contribute significantly to the Alabama and U.S. economies and this upcoming special week, National Small Business Week, we will do just that.”

National awards will be presented next year during the National Small Business Week (May 3–9) ceremony in Washington. A business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam will be selected for State Small Business Person of the Year awards. State award winners will compete for the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year title – SBA’s signature award.

Nominations will be accepted for other categories, including small business exporting awards, disaster recovery awards, and federal procurement awards.

Additionally, the Alabama District Office will have award categories that will be celebrated at a state-level only. The Alabama categories include:

• Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: A veteran small business owner that has operated their business successfully for the last three years in Alabama.
• Women-Owned Business Person of the Year: An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated.
• Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: A small business in the manufacturing sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and growth. This award celebrates the vital role small manufacturers play in restoring American economic dominance, technological advancements, national security and more.
• Rural-Owned Business of the Year: A small business that has demonstrated exceptional performance and growth in a rural community. This award celebrates the vital role small businesses play in our rural communities. To be eligible for this award, the business must be at an address designated as rural by the USDA Rural Development Property Eligibility search tool.

“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,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “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.

“Small businesses power generational opportunity and economic growth.”

To view the full list of awards, local area contacts, and for information on nominating a small business in your area – including forms, criteria, and guidelines, visit sba.gov/nsbw.

All nominations must be submitted electronically by 6 a.m. CT Dec. 8.