The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened nominations for the 2026 National Small Business Week (NSBW) Awards , shining a spotlight on the innovators, job creators, and community anchors that keep America moving. With 36 million small businesses powering 99% of U.S. enterprises , creating two out of every three new jobs , and employing about half of the nation’s workforce , this recognition is more than a plaque—it’s a platform.

NSBW 2026 runs May 3–9, 2026. Nominations are open now.

Why this matters for Houston

From Third Ward makers to Gulfton grocers, from East End logistics to Katy tech startups, Houston’s small-business ecosystem fuels our region’s resilience and cultural flavor. NSBW honors that spirit—celebrating growth, innovation, and the grit it takes

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