Texas Border Business
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards. National Small Business Week, which recognizes the contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which make up 99% of all businesses in America, creates two out of every three new jobs, and employs about half of America’s workforce. Next year, National Small Business Week will take place May 3 – 9, 2026.
“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,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “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. Thanks to our free enterprise system, small businesses power generational opportunity and economic growth. With the America First agenda, they are a key part of a historic comeback that is renewing the promise of the American Dream.”
To nominate a small business in the district, download the relevant forms, criteria, and guidelines from Lower Rio Grande Valley | U.S. Small Business Administration.
All nominations must be submitted electronically by 6:00 a.m. CT on Dec. 8, 2025. National awards will be presented during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., next May during National Small Business Week, along with local ceremonies where SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office will recognize the local awardees.
A business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam will be selected for the State Small Business Person of the Year awards. State award winners will compete for the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year title, SBA’s signature award.
National nominations will be accepted for other categories, including small business exporting awards, disaster recovery awards, and federal procurement awards. “National Small Business Week highlights the incredible achievements of the American entrepreneur and the small businesses they create. As these entrepreneurs follow their American Dream, we celebrate their successes and honor their hard work, innovation, and growth,” said SBA Regional Administrator Justin Crossie. “I look forward to recognizing and celebrating the small businesses in the South Central Region.”
The Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration serves the southernmost counties in Texas, including Aransas, Brooks, Cameron, Duval, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Kenedy, Kleberg, Nueces, San Patricio, Starr, Willacy, and Zapata.
