National Small Business Week Awards

The deadline for submission is December 5, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

  • Small Business Person of the Year

    Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Small Business Person of the Year Award.
  • Small Business Exporter of the Year

    Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Small Business Exporter of the Year Award.
  • Phoenix Awards

    Information about eligibility and nomination instructions for the Phoenix Award for Small Business Disaster Recovery, Mitigation, Public Official and Volunteer.
  • District Office Awards

    SBA District Office general award guidelines, nomination criteria, and submission links.
  • Counseling Awards

    Information about eligibility and nomination instructions for the annual SBDC, VBOC, WBC and SCORE Awards given out during NSBW.
  • Government Contracting Awards

    Information about eligibility and nomination instructions for the annual 8(a) Graduate, Prime Contractor, Subcontractor, and Eisenhower Awards given out during NSBW.
  • Small Business Investment Company of the Year

    Information about eligibility and how to submit a nomination package for the Small Business Investment Company of the Year Award.
  • Surety Bond Guarantee Agent of the Year

    Information about eligibility and winner selection for the Surety Bond Guarantee Agent of the Year Award.

About the NSBW Awards

As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration takes the opportunity to highlight the impact of outstanding entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members from all 50 states and U.S. territories. Every day, they’re working to grow small businesses, create 21st century jobs, drive innovation, and increase America’s global competitiveness. And in recognizing the changing face of America, the SBA’s National Small Business Week awards honor individuals and businesses that reflect our nation’s rich diversity. See more NSBW history.

Small Business Persons of the Year and other national-level category award winners are recognized as follows:

  • National awards celebration: Honorees will be recognized during a two-day event in Washington, D.C. that includes networking and educational sessions.
  • Social media coverage: You may be featured on SBA's website, on our social platforms, and in our email marketing, reaching more than 1 million small business owners around the country.
  • Trophy: Display this shiny trophy for all to see.
  • Public relations opportunity: Leverage your win in your marketing materials, press releases, and other messaging. We'll provide you with a media opportunities kit.
  • Digital badge: Add the winners badge to your email signature or your web site.

District office award winners may be invited to local award ceremonies in your area.

Read about the 2024 NSBW awardees.

The Agency reserves the right, in its sole reasonable discretion, to remove a nominee from the selection process. All nominees will be subject to background checks. Adverse information obtained through the background check, including compliance with Federal civil rights laws, may result in disqualification by SBA. Individuals or teams may not be nominated for more than one National Small Business Week award category. Winners at any level will be selected by a panel of judges that may be comprised of both SBA employees and non-federal employees. Non-federal employees serving as judges must sign a conflict of interest/non-disclosure certification. SBA employees may solicit nominations, but they cannot submit nominations on behalf of the nominee.