Montgomery, AL – Governor Kay Ivey is encouraging Alabamians to nominate standout entrepreneurs and enterprises for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2026 National Small Business Week Awards. The announcement follows her recent proclamation recognizing Saturday, November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday in Alabama—an effort aimed at spotlighting the state’s growing small business community.
National award winners will be honored in Washington, D.C., next May during National Small Business Week. Each state and U.S. territory will put forward a Small Business Person of the Year, with all competing for SBA’s top national recognition.
In addition to the national categories, a variety of specialized awards will be offered, including exporting, disaster recovery and federal procurement awards. The SBA Alabama District Office will also highlight several state-level categories to honor local excellence.
“In an America First economy, Alabama’s small businesses are the ones setting the pace,” Governor Ivey said. “We’ve got makers, builders, innovators and risk-takers whose stories deserve to be told on a national stage. I want to see Alabama in the running and bringing home the win, because we’ve got the talent to do it.”
Alabama’s State-Level Award Categories Include:
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Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Recognizes a veteran-operated small business with at least three years of success in Alabama.
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Women-Owned Business Person of the Year: Honors an individual who has advanced women’s entrepreneurship through leadership and example.
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Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Celebrates exceptional innovation, performance and growth within Alabama’s manufacturing sector.
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Rural-Owned Business of the Year: Highlights a rural-based business showing notable growth and community impact. Eligible locations must meet USDA Rural Development criteria.
All nominations must be submitted electronically by 1 p.m. CT on December 22, 2025.
National Small Business Week, scheduled for May 3–9, 2026, recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which represent 99% of all U.S. businesses and employ about half of the nation’s workforce.
“Small businesses are the engine of our economy, the heartbeat of local communities and the foundation of our nation’s strength,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. She emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship in driving opportunity, innovation and economic resilience.
The SBA Alabama District Office will host virtual one-hour information sessions titled “How to Submit an Award-Winning Nomination” on December 3 and December 17, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. CT. Participants will learn best practices, required forms and insights to strengthen their nominations.
Details on award categories, criteria and nomination procedures are available at sba.gov/nsbw.
To register for a virtual information session, visit: https://forms.office.com/g/aH02cpMAFH
