Small Business Administration seeks award nominations — Waterbury Roundabout

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman has announced that nominations are open for the 2025 National Small Business Week Awards.

The annual awards recognize businesses across the U.S. in state events and a national ceremony. 

“From corner shops to innovation hubs, American entrepreneurs create jobs, invent and provide crucial products and services to their communities, and help define the neighborhoods they serve,” Guzman said. “The SBA is proud to celebrate National Small Business Week each year to lift up the best of that American entrepreneurial spirit and recognize the many essential contributions all of our small businesses make to our nation.”

The agency is seeking nominations for this honor in Vermont for their contributions to the economy and community. To nominate a small business owner, visit the website sba.gov/nsbw. All nominations must be submitted electronically by 4 p.m. on Dec. 5. 

National awards will be presented during the National Small Business Week ceremony in Washington, D.C., on May 4- 5.

The top awards at the event are the Small Business Person of the Year honors. A business owner from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam is selected for individual top business honors. The national winner is chosen from that group. 

This year, Waterbury alternative medicine practitioner Kerry Boyle was named Vermont Small Business Person of the Year. A doctor of acupuncture and a licensed acupuncturist, Boyle runs Integrative Acupuncture which has offices in Montpelier, Williston and Colchester. 

The SBA also presents a number of awards in each state. Nominations are also sought in Vermont for a number of categories including:

• Family-Owned Small Business of the Year

• Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year

• Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year

• Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

• Microenterprise Business of the Year (under 5 employees)

• Small Business Manufacturer

• Young Entrepreneur of the Year (under age 30) 

More information about the National Small Business Person of the Year and local awards is online at sba.gov/nsbw.