Nominations are officially open for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 National Small Business Week Awards — with Alabama categories included.
Entrepreneurs in areas such as manufacturing, rural communities, veteran-owned ventures, and women-led firms can take center stage.
“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.
“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.”
This year, the awards include several categories tailored to Alabama’s entrepreneurs:
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Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: For veteran business owners who have kept their ventures thriving in Alabama for at least three years.
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Women-Owned Business Person of the Year: Open to individuals advancing women’s business ownership.
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Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Highlighting innovation, growth, and performance in Alabama’s small manufacturing firms.
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Rural-Owned Business of the Year: Honoring businesses located in USDA-designated rural areas that demonstrate exceptional performance and growth.
State-level winners will compete for SBA’s prestigious State Small Business Person of the Year, and those champions will go on to vie for the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. next May.
Nominations for these categories, and several national ones including export, disaster recovery, and federal procurement, must be submitted electronically by 6 a.m. CST on December 8, 2025.
Details and nomination forms are available at the SBA’s National Small Business Week webpage.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
