United States. Small Business Administration

Since 1963 the President of the United States has designated a week in May as national Small Business Week. During Small Business Week awards are presented to outstanding entrepreneurs and small business advocates at the state and national levels.

The annual Small Business Person of the Year is selected on the basis of such factors as sales growth, employment expansion, financial strength, response to adversity, and community involvement. Small Business Persons of the Year are selected in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and in Puerto Rico.

The Small Business Exporter of the Year award is given annually to a small business owner who has increased sales, profits, or employment because of exporting.

The Entrepreneurial Success Award is presented to individuals who launched a small business by SBA size standards that has since developed and grown into a large business, and who received SBA assistance to help the business grow.

The Young Entrepreneur Award is presented to a business owner who has at least a three-year track record of successful management of a small business and who has not yet attained the age of 30. Criteria for this award include sales and profits, job creation, and a demonstrated entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term growth.

Small business advocate awards are presented to individuals who use their professional expertise and personal talents to promote the interests of small business. These awards include: accounting services advocate; minority small business advocate; women in business advocate; financial service advocate; veteran small business advocate; and media small business advocate.

From the guide to the Minnesota small business award files, 1987-1997., (Minnesota Historical Society)