(Update: For information about Small Business Week 2017, visit “What is Small Business Week | 2017“)

Small Business Week is an annual event organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration to recognize the achievements of the top small businesses in the nation. Since 1963, the President of the United States has issued a proclamation calling for the celebration of National Small Business Week.

In 2016, National Small Business Week is from May 1-7 with national SBA events planned in Washington, D.C., New York, Denver, Phoenix, Oakland and San Jose, Calif.  During some of the events, the SBA presents awards to small business owners and organizations and agencies that work with the SBA in providing services and support in their programs for small businesses.

In addition to the events scheduled by the SBA, many states and location agencies and organizations use the week for conferences, events, and celebrations like “small business person of the year.”

Leading up to Small Business Week, the SBA announced 54 Small Business Persons of the Year state and territorial winners. The national Small Business Person of the Year will be announced at the awards ceremony on May 2.