Submit your NSBW awards nominations by December 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Small Business Person of the Year
Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Small Business Person of the Year Award.
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Small Business Exporter of the Year Award.
Phoenix Awards
Information about eligibility and nomination instructions for the Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery and Mitigation Awards.
District Office Awards
SBA District Office general award guidelines, nomination criteria, and submission links.
Counseling Awards
Information about eligibility and nomination instructions for the annual SBDC, VBOC, WBC and SCORE Awards given out during NSBW.
Small Business Manufacturer of the Year Award
Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Small Business Manufacturer of the Year Award.
Rural Small Business of the Year Award
Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Rural Small Business of the Year Award.
Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year
Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year Award.
Veteran Small Business of the Year
Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Veteran Small Business of the Year Award.
About the NSBW Awards
As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members from all 50 states and U.S. territories. They are the innovators, risk-takers, and job creators who pour their heart and soul into starting, growing, and expanding their businesses.
Small Business Persons of the Year and other national-level category award winners are recognized as follows:
- National awards celebration: Honorees will be recognized during an event in Washington, D.C. that includes networking and educational sessions.
- Social media coverage: You may be featured on SBA’s website, on our social platforms, and in our email marketing, reaching more than 1 million small business owners around the country.
- Trophy: Display this shiny trophy for all to see.
- Public relations opportunity: Leverage your win in your marketing materials, press releases, and other messaging. We’ll provide you with a media opportunities kit.
District office award winners may be invited to local award ceremonies in your area.
Read about past NSBW awardees.
The Agency reserves the right, in its sole reasonable discretion, to remove a nominee from the selection process. All nominees will be subject to background checks. Adverse information obtained through the background check, including compliance with Federal civil rights laws, may result in disqualification by SBA. All nominees must be in good standing on any Federal obligations. All nominees must be U.S. Citizens or U.S. Nationals who have their principal residence in the United States, its territories, or possessions. Nominations must be submitted in English. Individuals or teams may not be nominated for more than one National Small Business Week award category. Winners at any level will be selected by a panel of judges that may be comprised of both SBA employees and non-federal employees. Non-federal employees serving as judges must sign a conflict of interest/non-disclosure certification. SBA employees may solicit nominations, but they cannot submit nominations on behalf of the nominee.