The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of nominations for the 2025 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards. Now in its 60th year, this prestigious event honors the remarkable achievements and resilience of small businesses and individuals who have benefited from SBA support, highlighting their vital contributions to the American economy.
SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman emphasized the important role small businesses play within their communities, from job creation to providing essential products and services that define local neighborhoods.
Nominations and Award Categories
The SBA invites the public to nominate outstanding small business owners in their communities. Nominations are open until 4 p.m. ET on December 5, 2024. All necessary forms and guidelines can be found at sba.gov/nsbw. Winners will be celebrated during the NSBW awards ceremony on May 4-5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Among the most distinguished honors given during National Small Business Week is the Small Business Person of the Year (SBPOTY), recognizing an exceptional business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. These state winners will compete for the prestigious title of 2025 National Small Business Person of the Year.
Additional Award Categories Include:
- Small Business Exporter of the Year
- Small Business Investment Company of the Year
- SBIC Emerging Manager
- SBIC Established Manager
- Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery
- Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery
- Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery – Mitigation
- Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Public Official
- Phoenix Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Recovery, Volunteer
- Federal Procurement Awards
- Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year
- Small Business Subcontractor of the Year
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (awarded to large prime contractors utilizing small businesses)
- 8(a) Graduate of the Year
- Awards to SBA Resource Partners
- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award
- S.C.O.R.E. Chapter of the Year
- Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award
- Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year
- Surety Bond Agent of the Year
Don’t miss the chance to recognize the contributions of local businesses—submit your nominations today!
