SBA announces National Small Business Week 2026 Award Winners - Union Leader

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National Small Business Week 2026 is here, and the SBA just rolled out a fresh set of winners that put the spotlight on small businesses doing serious work across the country. The awards, announced during a week dedicated to celebrating entrepreneurship, are more than trophies—they’re a signal to aspiring business owners, especially veterans, that there are concrete paths to growth, mentorship, and marketplace credibility.

Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Robert Markarian, Architectural Resource Center. This honor recognizes leadership rooted in service and a commitment to delivering thoughtful design and project management. For veterans, the win is not just recognition; it expands visibility to regulators, lenders, and potential partners who value disciplined processes, reliability, and a mission-driven approach that translates from the field to the boardroom.

What this means for veteran entrepreneurs: The award creates a platform to showcase capabilities, opening doors to SBA programs like the 7(a) loan program and microloans, as well as government contracting opportunities. It also invites mentorship through SCORE and PTACs, and it signals to customers and collaborators that the business has stood the test of time and discipline that veterans bring.

Even in niche sectors like architectural resources, veteran leadership can drive efficiency and innovation. Veterans often excel at logistics, risk assessment, and long-term project planning, which are prized in the architecture field and in running any small business that handles complex projects. The NSBW recognition helps level the playing field when competing with larger firms.

The Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: Heather Gray is highlighted in the same program, underscoring the importance of diverse leadership teams. Veteran entrepreneurs who also operate with women partners or employees can learn how to cultivate inclusive cultures, attract talent, and build broader networks. This cross-pollination is powerful for communities that rely on small, locally embedded businesses.

For veteran owners, the awards can also be a practical signal to pursue certifications like the Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) designation and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs. These certifications can unlock set-aside opportunities and procurement preferences, particularly in local and federal government markets. The NSBW spotlight helps keep those doors open by reminding buyers to seek qualified veteran and women-owned firms.

Beyond the individual winners, NSBW as a whole demonstrates how veterans contribute to job creation, resilience, and community development. When a veteran-led architectural resource center grows, it often hires fellow veterans, hires local designers, and invests in apprenticeship programs that help transitioning service members translate skills into civilian careers.

If you’re a veteran entrepreneur, use this NSBW momentum to map a path forward: connect with your local SBA district office, join a SCORE webinar, talk to a PTAC about federal contracting, and start or join a mentorship circle focused on your vertical. Read the stories of these winners, take notes on their strategies, and turn those lessons into a concrete, mission-driven plan for your business.



👁️ READ MORE: NSBW 2026 Winners Spotlight: How Veteran- and Woman-Owned Firms Are Driving Growth

🎖️ Veteransss.us 🎖️ VetBiz Resources 🎖️ Veterans Support Syndicate

#vetrepreneur #vetbiz #business #veterans

VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION

VETERAN SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION
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What are VOSBs and SDVOSBs?

What are VOSBs and SDVOSBs?

VOSB or SDVOSB Benefits for Contractors

VOSB or SDVOSB Benefits for Contractors

Where To Get VOSB or SDVOSB Certification

Where To Get VOSB or SDVOSB Certification

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