DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — Governor Kay Ivey is calling on Alabamians to help spotlight the state’s top small businesses as the U.S. Small Business Administration opens nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards.
The push comes days after Ivey proclaimed Saturday, Nov. 29, as Small Business Saturday in Alabama. She said the national awards offer a chance for local entrepreneurs to be recognized on a larger stage.
“In an America First economy, Alabama’s small businesses are the ones setting the pace. We’ve got makers, builders, innovators and risk-takers whose stories deserve to be told on a national stage,” Ivey said. “I want to see Alabama in the running and bringing home the win, because we’ve got the talent to do it. I encourage folks everywhere in our state to nominate their favorites and help Alabama take its rightful place at the top.”
Winners from every state and U.S. territory will compete for the National Small Business Person of the Year. Additional categories include exporting, disaster recovery and procurement, along with Alabama-specific awards such as:
• Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
• Women-Owned Business Person of the Year
• Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
• Rural-Owned Business of the Year
All nominations must be submitted electronically by 1 p.m. CT on Dec. 22, 2025.
SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said the week serves to highlight the strength of the nation’s 36 million small businesses. “During National Small Business Week, we honor America’s job creators and the vital role they play in making our country the greatest in the world,” Loeffler said. “From farms to factories, hardworking small businesses are the engine of our economy, the heartbeat of local communities and the foundation of our nation’s strength.”
National Small Business Week will run May 3–9, 2026.
The SBA Alabama District Office will also offer one-hour virtual sessions to help applicants understand the nomination process. Sessions will be held Dec. 3 and Dec. 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT.
More details, including forms and criteria, are available at sba.gov/nsbw.
To join for one of SBA’s 2026 National Small Business Week Awards info session, please visit the link below: https://forms.office.com/g/aH02cpMAFH
