The search is on for the cream of the crop in the small business community, as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) begins the nomination process for the 2026 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards. The highlight of this distinguished affair is the Small Business Person of the Year award, a recognition any entrepreneur would covet for their mantle. If you know a business owner who embodies the spirit of innovation and community service, or perhaps you're a self-nominated go-getter, the window for nominations remains open until December 22, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. CT. Details for nominations can be found, and forms downloaded, through the SBA's dedicated portal, as cited by the City of Brooklyn Park announcement.
The National Small Business Week has been a presidentially acknowledged event since 1964, serving to highlight the pivotal role small businesses play in the American economy. This year's categories are wide-reaching, with awards ranging from the Small Business Exporter of the Year to various Phoenix Awards for those who have risen from the ashes of natural disasters. Special recognition is offered for standout performance in areas such as the 8(a) Graduate of the Year, in addition to commendations for counseling centers that bolster the small business community.
Yet the celebrations are not confined to the national arena, as SBA's 68 District Offices will host their own local District Office Awards, recognizing regional champions in various sectors. For instance, the Minnesota District will celebrate categories including Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year and Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year, among others. These local awards are tailored to acknowledge the unique dynamics and success stories within those communities.
Amongst these accolades, there is also a keen eye towards the future of entrepreneurship with awards like Young Entrepreneur, earmarked for those who haven't turned 30 by June 1, 2026. This gesture signals a nod to the new blood pumping vitality into the market, while the Family-Owned Small Business award pays homage to the businesses with a lineage that have weathered the storms of change, and the Encore Entrepreneur award praises those who have embraced the spirit of enterprise later in life.
To keep the competitive spirit fair and square, nominees for the Small Business Person of the Year will represent not only every state but also stretch across territories like Puerto Rico and Guam. According to the SBA's announcement, these nominees "must demonstrate success in business as well as contributions to their local communities," – a dual focus that underscores the SBA's regard for both economic and social vitality nurtured by small businesses across the nation.
