Detroit City Wire

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the opening of nominations for the National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards, which have been a tradition for over 60 years. The event celebrates the significant contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the United States. National Small Business Week 2025 is scheduled to occur from May 4-10.

A highlight of the awards is the Small Business Person of the Year. This award will recognize one business owner from each state, as well as from the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. These state winners will compete for the national title.

Nominations are open for several categories including:

- Small Business Exporter of the Year

- Small Business Investment Company of the Year

- SBIC Emerging Manager

- SBIC Established Manager

The Phoenix Awards focus on disaster recovery efforts with categories such as:

- 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 include:

- Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year

- Small Business Subcontractor of the Year

- Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence

- 8(a) Graduate of the Year

Awards also extend to SBA Resource Partners with categories like:

- Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Excellence and Innovation Center Award

- S.C.O.R.E. Chapter of the Year

- Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award

- Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year

Additionally, there is an award for Surety Bond Agent of the Year.

For more information about local contacts and other details regarding these awards, interested parties can visit https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/district-office-awards.

The SBA plays a crucial role in supporting American small businesses by providing resources necessary to start, grow, or recover their businesses through its extensive network and partnerships with public and private organizations.