Deadline Date: December 22, 2025
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) invites nominations for its annual National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards — a high-profile national recognition program that celebrates the remarkable achievements of small business owners, innovative entrepreneurs, and the organizations that support them across the United States.
Each year, the awards highlight exceptional leadership, growth, resilience, and community impact, offering winners valuable visibility and national acknowledgment for their contributions to the U.S. economy.
The program features several distinguished award categories. These include Small Business Person of the Year, which recognizes business owners who demonstrate outstanding growth, innovation, and community involvement. The Small Business Exporter of the Year award honors businesses excelling in international trade. The Phoenix Awards celebrate individuals and organizations showing exceptional recovery efforts following disasters. District Office Awards highlight outstanding contributions made by SBA district office partners, while the 8(a) Graduate of the Year Award acknowledges excellence among participants who have successfully completed the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. Additionally, the Counseling Awards recognize individuals and organizations providing exceptional small business training, mentoring, and advisory services.
Nominations require detailed documentation, including background information, business achievements, community engagement, and supporting materials that demonstrate the nominee’s excellence. Businesses must meet SBA eligibility criteria, such as size standards, ownership requirements, and compliance with applicable SBA programs. Nominees are evaluated on performance, innovation, overcoming adversity, and the broader impact they make on their communities.
Winners of the NSBW Awards are honored during National Small Business Week and receive national visibility, recognition at a formal ceremony in Washington, D.C., and extensive promotional exposure through SBA channels. Beyond individual recognition, these awards uplift the spirit of entrepreneurship nationwide by sharing powerful success stories that inspire other small business owners and emphasize the essential role small businesses play in driving economic growth, job creation, and community development across the country.
For more information, visit U.S. Small Business Administration.
