LaLota & Small Business Administration Urge Local Businesses to Apply for National Small Business Week Awards by Monday, December 22
Hauppauge, N.Y — Congressman Nick LaLota, a Member of the House Committee on Small Business, is urging Suffolk County entrepreneurs and small business owners to submit their nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards before the fast-approaching Monday, December 22 deadline.
“Small businesses are the backbone of Suffolk County’s economy. They’re the innovators, risk-takers, and job creators who strengthen our local communities. As someone fighting every day on the House Small Business Committee to cut red tape and expand opportunities, I want to make sure our local business leaders are recognized on the national stage,” said LaLota. “If you know a deserving entrepreneur, or if you’re one yourself, I encourage you to apply before the December 22 deadline. And if you need help navigating the SBA or other federal programs, my office stands ready to assist.”
“National Small Business Week is a time to honor the incredible achievements of America’s entrepreneurs - the innovators, risk-takers, and job creators who drive our economy forward. Long Island is lucky to have Rep. LaLota on the House’s Small Business Committee, where he sees the positive impact that the SBA makes to Main Street entrepreneurs and small business owners.
“We both know first-hand that outstanding small businesses should be recognized for the hard work, perseverance, resiliency, and impact in their communities. That’s why we are encouraging individuals, organizations, and small businesses themselves to submit nominations so that the Long Island community - and all of New York State and the nation - can celebrate their stories,”said SBA Atlantic Regional Administrator Matt Coleman, who oversees the federal agency’s operations throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Background:
Each year, as part of National Small Business Week, the SBA honors outstanding entrepreneurs from all 50 states and U.S. territories. These awards spotlight the leaders behind America’s 36 million small businesses, which make up 99% of all U.S. businesses, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ about half of the nation’s workforce.
National Small Business Week will take place May 3–9, 2026.
The SBA will select a Small Business Person of the Year from every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. State winners then compete for the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year, the SBA’s signature award.
Additional award categories include:
Small Business Exporting Awards
Disaster Recovery Awards
Federal Procurement Awards
And others
All nominations must be submitted electronically by Monday, December 22 by 2p.m. Forms, criteria, and submission guidelines are available at sba.gov/nsbw.