SBA Extends Deadline for 2026 National Small Business Week Awards Nominations to Dec. 22

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently extended the 2026 National Small Business Week awards nominations deadline to 2 p.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 22, 2025. National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses – which make up 99% of all businesses in America, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ about half of America’s workforce. 

“The extended deadline is a valuable opportunity – and we don’t want North Florida’s best and brightest to miss it,” said Jonel Hein, SBA North Florida District Director.  “I strongly encourage our business owners, lenders, and community partners to submit nominations and help shine a spotlight on the remarkable businesses that make our district thrive.”

National Small Business Week will take place May 3 – 9, 2026. National awards will be presented during this week at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. A business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam will be selected for State Small Business Person of the Year awards. State award winners will compete for the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year title, SBA’s signature award.

The North & South Florida District Offices are offering a series of joint webinars to help small business owners, lenders and community partners prepare strong nominations for the 2026 SBA National Small Business Week Awards.  Register here for any of the following dates:

Tuesday, December 9th
Thursday, December 11th
Tuesday, December 16th
Thursday, December 18th

To nominate a small business in your area, download related forms, and to view criteria, and guidelines and the full list of awards, visit sba.gov/nsbw.