Alabama Governor Urges Local Businesses to Shine in 2026 Small Business Week Awards | PRIMENEWSNOW

Governor Ivey Champions Alabama’s Role in National Small Business Week

Following her recent announcement of November 29, 2025, as Small Business Saturday in Alabama, Governor Kay Ivey is urging Alabama’s robust participation in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.

Celebrating Small Business Excellence Nationwide

In May, during National Small Business Week, a ceremony in Washington, D.C., will honor business owners from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam with the State Small Business Person of the Year awards. These winners will vie for the prestigious 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year title.

Diverse Award Categories

Various categories are open for nominations, including awards for small business exporting, disaster recovery, and federal procurement. Additionally, Alabama’s District Office will recognize state-level achievements with its own set of awards.

Governor Ivey’s Call to Action

“In our America First economy, Alabama’s small businesses are leading the charge. We have creators, builders, and innovators whose stories deserve national recognition,” Ivey stated. “I encourage everyone in Alabama to nominate their favorites and help us showcase our talent on a national platform.”

Alabama’s Unique Award Categories

• Veteran-Owned Business of the Year: Recognizing a veteran entrepreneur who has successfully operated their business in Alabama for the past three years.
• Women-Owned Business Person of the Year: Celebrating an individual committed to advancing women’s business ownership.
• Small Business Manufacturer of the Year: Honoring a manufacturing business that excels in performance, innovation, and growth, highlighting the critical role of small manufacturers in the economy.
• Rural-Owned Business of the Year: Acknowledging a business that has shown exceptional growth in a rural area, as defined by the USDA Rural Development Property Eligibility search tool.

Submission Details

All nominations must be submitted electronically by 1 p.m. CT (2 p.m. ET) on December 22, 2025.

Recognizing the Impact of Small Businesses

National Small Business Week highlights the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which constitute 99% of all U.S. businesses, create two-thirds of new jobs, and employ nearly half of the workforce. The next celebration is scheduled for May 3-9, 2026.

Words from the SBA Administrator

“During National Small Business Week, we honor the job creators who are the backbone of our economy,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “From agriculture to manufacturing, small businesses drive economic growth and embody the American Dream.”

How to Get Involved

For a complete list of awards, local contacts, and nomination guidelines, visit sba.gov/nsbw. Join the SBA Alabama District Office for a session on the nomination process, including tips for crafting a successful submission.

Nomination Workshops

“How to Submit an Award-Winning Nomination” sessions are held every other Wednesday, starting October 22.

• Dates: December 3 and December 17
• Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT
• Location: Virtual

To participate in the SBA’s 2026 National Small Business Week Awards info session, visit this link.

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