MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – After proclaiming Nov. 29 as Small Business Saturday in Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey is encouraging strong participation in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.
National Small Business Week recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which are 99% of all companies in America.
“In an America First economy, Alabama’s small businesses are the ones setting the pace. We’ve got makers, builders, innovators and risk-takers whose stories deserve to be told on a national stage,” said Ivey.
In addition, a business owners 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.
Nominations will be accepted for numerous other categories. The local Alabama District Office says it will have award categories that will be celebrated at a state level only.
The Alabama categories include:
- Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: A veteran small business owner who has operated their business successfully for the last three years in Alabama.
- Women-Owned Business Person of the Year: An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated.
- Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: A small business in the manufacturing sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and growth.
- Rural-Owned Business of the Year: A small business that has demonstrated exceptional performance and growth in a rural community. To be eligible for this award, the business must be located at an address designated as rural by the USDA Rural Development Property Eligibility search tool.
National awards will be presented during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., from May 3 through May 9, 2026, during National Small Business Week.
“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.
All nominations must be submitted electronically by 1 p.m. on Dec. 22, 2025.
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