The SBA is now accepting nominations for the National Small Business Week Awards!
National Small Business Week 2026 will take place May 3-9, 2026. SBA will officially recognize these small businesses for their hard work, ingenuity, dedication, and their contributions to the economy.
Submission Deadline:
- Monday, December 8, 2025 at 6:00am CT
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- Any legal resident of the United States or its Territories who owns 51% of a business and operates a small business for a minimum of three years and have received at least one type of SBA assistance.
2026 Houston District Award Categories:
- Small Business Person of the Year (National and District)
- Small Business Exporter of the Year (National and District)
- 8(a) Graduate of the Year (National and District)
- Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
- Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
- Innovation (SBIR/STTR) Recipient of the Year
- Small Business Media Advocate of the Year
- Small Business Community Partner of the Year
- Rural Small Business of the Year
- Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
- Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Houston District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.
Nomination Guidelines & Forms:
- Click here for National Guidelines and Information
- Click here for Houston District Local Award Categories