Nominees Sought for Small Business Person of the Year

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking nominees for Small Business Person of the Year. The deadline for nominations is November 15.

A Small Business Person of the Year is selected from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam. From this pool, one individual is selected as the national Small Business Person of the Year.

Each state's Small Business Person of the Year must meet criteria which include staying power, growth in employment, increase in sales/unit volume, innovation, response to adversity, and evidence of contributions to their community.

Advocate awards are also presented to persons who have used their professional skills or personal talents to further public understanding and awareness of small business. Candidates must have taken an active role in creating opportunities to promote the interests of small business. Advocate categories include : Women in Business, Minority, Veteran, Accountant, Financial Services and Media.

Special awards are also presented to the Small Business Exporter and Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and the Federal Government Prime Contractor and Subcontractor of the year. Large companies that started as small businesses are also honored with the Entrepreneurial Success Award.

Nominations can be made by any individual or organization. All nominations must be received by the SBA district office no later than November 15. To obtain information on completing a nomination package, contact your nearest SBA office. For the location of the SBA office nearest you, call the SBA's Answer Desk at 1-800-827-5722.