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The U.S. Small Business Administration on Tuesday announced the opening of nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards. The annual celebration, scheduled for May 3–9, 2026, recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses.
These enterprises represent 99% of all businesses in the United States, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ about half of the nation’s workforce.
“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,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler in a statement. “Thanks to our free enterprise system, small businesses power generational opportunity and economic growth. With the America First agenda, they are a key part of a historic comeback that is renewing the promise of the American Dream.”
A business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam will be named State Small Business Person of the Year. These winners will compete for SBA’s signature honor, the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year award.
Additional categories include small business exporting awards, disaster recovery awards, and federal procurement awards. All nominations must be submitted electronically by 6 a.m. Central on Dec. 8. National awards will be presented in Washington, D.C., during next year’s National Small Business Week.
For details on criteria, guidelines, and nomination forms, visit sba.gov/nsbw.