U.S. Rep. Yakym encourages small businesses to apply for SBA Awards

 Today, Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-02) is encouraging small business owners across Indiana’s Second District to apply for the 2026 National Small Business Week Awards following the U.S. Small Business Administration’s announcement extending the nomination deadline to Monday, December 22, 2025.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities,” Rep. Yakym said. “From factories to cafés and everything in between, Indiana wouldn’t be what it is today without the hardworking entrepreneurs who drive our economy. I encourage eligible business owners to apply for this recognition and highlight the outstanding work they do every day.”

National Small Business Week, which will be held May 3–9, 2026, honors the achievements and contributions of America’s 36 million small businesses, which represent 99 percent of all U.S. businesses, create two out of every three new jobs, and employ nearly half of the nation’s workforce. 

As part of the awards program, the SBA will recognize a Small Business Person of the Year from each of the 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. State-level winners will advance to compete for the 2026 National Small Business Person of the Year, the SBA’s highest honor for small business owners. National award recipients will be recognized during a ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Small business owners and community members interested in submitting a nomination can find eligibility requirements, award categories, and application materials at www.sba.gov/nsbw.