The US Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially opened the nominations for the 2025 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards. This annual event, now in its 60th year, highlights the outstanding achievements, contributions, and resilience of small businesses and individuals who have benefited from SBA assistance. These awards celebrate those who have played a significant role in driving the American economy.
SBA Director Isabel Casillas Guzman announced the opening of proposals. He highlighted the important role that small businesses play in their communities, from creating jobs to providing valuable products and services, as well as helping to define the areas in which they operate.
Prize categories and shipping details
The SBA encourages the community to nominate exemplary small business owners in their communities. Proposals can be submitted electronically until 4 pm ET on December 5, 2024. All related forms, criteria, and guidelines are available for download at sba.gov/nsbw. The national awards will be presented during the NSBW awards ceremony, scheduled for May 4-5, 2025, in Washington, DC.
Some of the most prestigious awards presented during National Small Business Week are: Small Business Person of the Year (SBPOTY). This award recognizes one outstanding business owner from the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam. These state winners will compete for the title of 2025 National Small Business Person of the Year.
Additional award categories include:
- Small Business Retailer 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 Contractor of the Year
- Small Business Contractor of the Year
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence (for large contractors using small businesses as suppliers and contractors)
- 8(a) Graduate of the Year
- Awards to SBA Resource Partners
- Small Business Development Center Award (SBDC) Center Award for Excellence and Innovation
- SCORE Chapter of the Year
- Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award
- Annual Veterans Business Outreach Center
- Bond Agent of the Year
