Small business owners, mark your calendars: the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has officially opened nominations for the 2027 National Small Business Week Awards. This annual event, celebrated from May 2–8, 2027, aims to honor exceptional entrepreneurs and small business leaders across the nation. With nominations due by 3:00 PM ET on December 7, 2026, now is the time for owners to recognize their achievements and those of their peers.

“Thanks to President Trump, the golden age for small businesses is here, with record new business starts, rising employment and investment, and historically high small business optimism,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. Her remarks underscore a climate of renewed confidence, which small business owners can leverage as they nominate themselves or others for recognition.

This initiative, which has been celebrated since 1963, showcases one standout business owner from each of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S.…