WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards, a nationwide recognition of the role small businesses play in driving economic growth and supporting local communities.
National Small Business Week, scheduled for May 3–9, 2026, celebrates America’s 36 million small businesses, which account for 99% of all U.S. businesses, generate two-thirds of new jobs, and employ roughly half of the nation’s workforce.
“During National Small Business Week, we honor America’s job creators and the vital role they play in making our country the greatest in the world,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. She emphasized that small businesses, from “farms to factories,” form the backbone of both the economy and community life, describing them as “the engine of our economy, the heartbeat of local communities, and the foundation of our nation’s strength.”
The SBA will recognize one Small Business Person of the Year from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. State-level winners will advance to compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year, the agency’s most prestigious award.
Additional categories include awards for exporting, disaster recovery, and federal procurement. Winners will be honored during a national ceremony in Washington, D.C., as part of the 2026 National Small Business Week.
Nominations must be submitted electronically by December 8, 2025, at 7 a.m. ET.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.