HONOLULU – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened the nominations for the prestigious SBA Small Business Awards for 2018.

The annual program continues to be the most competitive, comprehensive and visible awards presented to small businesses in the state.

SBA’s program continues to generate interest and excitement in Hawaii with stories of innovation, creativity and teamwork and the positive, proactive measures that small business owners are taking to grow businesses, creating jobs and better communities.

For 2018, SBA Small Business Award categories for the Hawaii District include: SBA’s Small Business Person of the Year, Entrepreneurial Success Award, Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, Small Business Exporter of the Year, SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and SBA Small Business Advocate of the Year.

The nomination forms with detailed information on the criteria considered in selection of candidates are available on the website of the Hawaii SBDC Network at www.hisbdc.org or by contacting the Hawaii District Office.

Any individual or organization may submit a nomination for a SBA Small Business Award. Self-nominations are also accepted. Previous SBA award winners may be nominated if five years have lapsed since their award and the company continues to meet the eligibility requirements.

Completed forms should be submitted to the SBA District Office at 500 Ala Moana Boulevard, Suite 1-306, no later than Nov. 20, 2017. For more information, call SBA at (808) 541-2990.