In recognition of the small business community’s contribution to the American economy and society, the President of the United States designates one week each year as National Small Business Week. National Small Business Week 2016 will be celebrated the first week of May 2016.

Throughout Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration Los Angeles District Office, in conjunction with public- and private-sector small business supporters, will host special events to honor and present awards to local entrepreneurs and those who support and champion small business.

The SBA Los Angeles District Office will recognize honorees in the following categories during its annual event in May, 2016.

Small Business Person of the Year

Women in Business Champion of the Year

Minority Small Business Champion of the Year

Family-Owned Business of the Year

Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

Innovation Through Technology Business of the Year

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

Financial Services Champion of the Year

Small Business Exporter of the Year

8(a) Graduate of the Year

Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award

Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award

“Our exceptional small businesses deserve the public recognition these awards afford,” said Los Angeles District Director Victor Parker.

“The SBA Small Business Awards help to single out champions of small business.  These top entrepreneurs are the ones who think big, take risks and work hard to achieve the ‘American Dream,’ all while creating jobs and building up the economy,” added Parker.

“Individuals, fellow business owners, are strongly encouraged to nominate individuals deserving of these awards,” concluded Parker.

This is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs, bankers, chambers of commerce and other community organizations to promote their own business, a client or even an employee.  Nominations can be made by an individual or a business for an individual or a business.

The deadline for submitting nominations is January 11, 2016.  The nomination form and eligibility guidelines are available on Los Angeles SBA’s website, www.sba.gov/ca/la.  Direct link to the application can be found here.  Direct link to the guidelines and criteria can be found here.