Guide to Small Business Week Programs and Awards

Each year the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) National Small Business Week conference, expo and awards ceremony celebrates entrepreneurs and their achievements. An SBA award is more than just a feather in your corporate cap. An award can add credibility to your product or service, garner publicity, serve as a marketing hook and improve employee morale. Some of the Small Business Week national award categories include:

1. State Small Business Person of the Year chosen for each state
2. National Small Business Person of the Year award presented from among the State Small Business winners
3. Champion Awards honoring individuals and organizations dedicated to supporting small business
4. Phoenix Awards for small business disaster recovery and outstanding contributions to disaster recovery

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine which award category best suits you or your business

Determine which award category best suits you or your business

I recommend: The SBA provides a list of Small Business Week awards and the criteria for each one (as well as what you must provide to be considered) in its nomination guidelines.

See a list and profiles of past award winners

A list of past small business award winners is available on the SBA Web site.

I recommend: Check the State Small Business Winners list. There is also a handy Small Business Winners list that you can search by state and category. This list includes locations and links to short profiles of the business as well.

Put your best foot forward

When you compile your submission materials, make a positive impression from the start by presenting your business clearly and professionally.

I recommend: This Sideroad article offers tips on how to compose an engaging business profile, and WriteExpress software will help you write a persuasive letter detailing why your business should win.

Get your application where it needs to go

Because the Small Business Person of the Year awards are given on a state-by-state basis, you must apply directly to the nearest SBA district office in your state or territory.

I recommend: The Small Business Administration has listings of local office that can answer questions about your application. Check the SBA's searchable map of local resources or call 800/U-ASK-SBA to find your regional office.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Nominations can be made in only one category per year.
• Don't dismiss an award just because you're not the sole CEO. Up to four business partners may be nominated in a category as a team.
• Watch submission deadlines carefully. Entries received after the cut-off date will not be considered.
• Plan early if you want to attend. Expo booth reservations fill up quickly, and hotels in Washington D.C. are busy year-round.
• Leave the swag at home. The expo is for showcasing good and services only; giveaways, raffles and business transactions are prohibited.