About the Awards

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is accepting nominations for the national and district Small Business Week Awards for 2024. These prestigious awards aim to recognize and celebrate small businesses that have demonstrated exceptional innovation, growth, community engagement, and resilience. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and highlighting their outstanding contributions is essential in acknowledging their efforts towards the success and growth of the community.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and we believe in recognizing and celebrating their outstanding contributions,” said SBA Connecticut District Director Catherine Marx.

Categories

The Small Business Week Awards offer various categories through which businesses can be recognized. National awards include titles such as Small Businesswoman of the Year and Exporter of the Year. On the district level, the SBA presents awards for Small Family Business of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, Microbusiness of the Year, Small Minority Business of the Year, Veteran Small Business of the Year, Female Business Owner of the Year, and Young Entrepreneur of the Year. This diverse range of categories ensures that businesses from various sectors and backgrounds have the opportunity to be acknowledged for their exceptional contributions.

Previous Winners

In 2023, CBIA (Connecticut Business and Industry Association) and the SBA’s Connecticut District Office collaborated to celebrate award winners who exemplified excellence in their respective fields. The winners included Pedro Soto of Hygrade Precision Technologies, Andrew Zeppa of Element 119, and Cindy Hersom of DICIN Electric Company. These individuals and businesses showcased remarkable achievements in innovation, growth, and community engagement, serving as inspirations to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Small Businesses: The Pillar of Connecticut’s Economy

Small businesses play a significant role in Connecticut’s economy, representing 48% of all workers in the state. This number continues to grow as more individuals embrace entrepreneurship and contribute to the business landscape. The Small Business Week Awards serve as a platform to not only recognize outstanding achievements but also highlight the crucial role these businesses play in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and creating job opportunities.

Eligibility and Submission

The eligibility criteria for the 2024 Small Business Week Awards vary depending on the category. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit the official SBA website to review the specific requirements for each award. The nomination deadline for the 2024 cycle is December 7 at 4 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your remarkable work and be recognized for your dedication and contributions.

Conclusion

The Small Business Week Awards provide a platform to honor and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of small businesses. These awards not only recognize innovation, growth, and community engagement but also create an opportunity to inspire and motivate aspiring entrepreneurs. The dedication and commitment of small business owners and entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the economy, and it is essential to acknowledge their efforts and the positive impact they have on their communities. By celebrating their achievements, we encourage a thriving business ecosystem that fosters economic growth and drives innovation.