How to Submit a National Small Business Week Nomination

https://www.sba.gov/nsbw

National Awards

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 and Mitigation Awards.

8(a) Graduate of the Year Award

Information about eligibility and nomination instructions for the annual 8(a) Graduate Awards given out during NSBW.

Counseling Awards

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

About the District Office awards

To be nominated and receive one of the following local awards, the small business nominee must fit within the category of the award, demonstrate success in business, and complete and submit the required nomination package information. Incomplete packages will not be accepted.

Read on for local award nomination criteria and to submit your nomination.

Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year

An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated.

Rural Small Business of the Year

A small business that has demonstrated exceptional performance and growth in a rural community. This award celebrates the vital role small businesses play in our rural communities. To be eligible for this award, the business must be located at an address designated as rural by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Property Eligibility search tool.

Veteran Small Business Person of the Year

This award honors an individual who owns and operates (or bears principal responsibility for operating) a for-profit small business and who has been discharged or released from active duty in the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. Nominees must have been in business a minimum of three years.

Small Business Manufacturer of the Year

A small business in the manufacturing sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation and growth. This award celebrates the vital role small manufacturers play in restoring American economic dominance, technological advancements, national security and more.

Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year

A small business in a blue-collar industry that has demonstrated exceptional performance and growth. This award celebrates the vital role blue-collar small businesses play in our economy, communities, and day-to-day lives. To be eligible for this award, the small business must operate in an industry characterized by workers using physical skill and energy involving manual labor, a trade, or a vocational skill such as, but not limited to, construction, roofing, welding, painting, heating and air conditioning, carpentry, plumbing, auto repair, and/or electrical work.

SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the South Carolina District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year, Exporter of the Year, 8(a) Graduate of the Year, and Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation, and Women's Business Center of the Year Award will be forwarded for National competition.