SBA Small Business Awards 2024

To be nominated and receive one of the following local awards, the small business nominee must fit within the category of the award, demonstrate success in business and complete and submit the required nomination package information. Nomination guidelines for District Office Awards can be found at National Small Business Week. *Incomplete packages will not be accepted.

Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri:

The minority person(s) must serve as majority owners of a small business and experience the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business.

Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri:

The majority owner(s) must have fulfilled a commitment to the U.S. Armed Forces and have experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a small business.

Women-Owned Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri:

The majority owner(s) must be women who have experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. 

Rural-Owned Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri: 

This award honors any small business owner that has operated successfully for the last three years in a community of 50,000 people or less (or is considered rural).

Family-Owned Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri:

This award honors a family-owned and operated business which has been passed on from one generation to the next.  

Immigrant-Owned Small Business of the Year - Eastern Missouri:

This award honors a business that must be owned by an immigrant(s) to the United States who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a small business.

HUBZone-Owned Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri: 

This award honors a business owner that is located in a HUBZone census tract that has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a small business.

Start-Up Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri: 

The individual must serve as a majority owner and operate or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with no more than two years in business.

Young Entrepreneur Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri: 

The individual must serve as a majority owner and operate or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with a three-year track record, and who will not have reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2024. 

Technology Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri:

This award honors a technology business in which the owner has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a technology focused business.

Home Based Small Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri: 

The business must have experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a home-based business. 

Entrepreneurial- Success Award Business of the Year – Eastern Missouri:

Individuals must own and operate a business initially launched as a small business according to SBA size standards and subsequently grown into a large business and they must have received SBA assistance to help the businesses grow.

Small Business Advocate of the Year – Eastern Missouri: 

An individual who must own a small business and advocate for small businesses either as part of their business or as part of their community engagement.

Nominees must be residents of the 54 counties served by the St. Louis District office. All nominees will be subject to background checks. Small businesses owned and operated by nominees must comply with federal civil rights laws. Consult the SBA St. Louis District Office if you have questions.

Where are the nominations to be sent?

All nominations must be submitted electronically to the U.S. Small Business Administration St. Louis BOX account in the state or territory where the nominee is located.  BOX account information is available at National Small Business Week Awards.   

When is the deadline for nominations?

3:00 p.m. ET, December 7, 2023.

SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the St. Louis District – Eastern Missouri level only.  Awards for Small Business Person of the Year, 8(a) Graduate of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.

2023 Awards Winners

Small Business Person of the Year - Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa: Jessica Cooke - Founder

8(a) Graduate - BRK Electrical Contractors, LLC: Marion Austin Hayes III

St. Louis District Director’s SBA Small Business Champion Award: Michael McMillan, Urban League

St. Louis District Director’s Legacy Award - Ray Gallardo

St. Louis District Director’s SBA Support Award - Bishop Michael Jones, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church  

SBW Eastern Missouri Volunteer of the Year Award - Jared Howe, Bank of Houston 

Top Community Lender Award - Midwest Regional Bank

Community Bank of the Year - Bank of Houston

CDC of the Year - Rural Missouri Inc 

Microlender & Community Advantage Lender of the Year - Justine PETERSEN