The Small Business Owners Community Awards
OPEN TO ALL ENTREPRENEURS
Live at the 6th Annual #SBOC26 Conference
The Small Business Owners Community is proud to offer entrepreneurs something that is grossly missing: recognition. Each day, you're building your business, taking huge risks, and on the whole it feels like nobody notices. And, so few understand what you do that your friends aren't even there to give you a high five for the effort. Isolation can be demoralizing. When you feel like nobody cares if you go above and beyond it's really tempting to let up. Not on our watch.
The SBOC's tagline is "It's your dream, Don't Grow it Alone®," so let's do something amazing.
At our 6th annual conference in September, we are proud to host the 3nd Annual Awards program to give the recognition so many deserve. The awards program will held on the evening of our second conference night and all of our entrants and nominees will be invited to attend the ceremony at no charge.
The entry deadline is Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11:59pm CT.
Good Luck!
Who Can Enter?
Any small business owner. Anywhere.
This isn’t a clique. You don’t have to be a member.
And yes, you’re encouraged to nominate yourself.
You’ve worked hard. Own that spotlight.
Nominate Yourself
Click below and tell us your story. Every winner last year self nominated...we want to hear from you!
Nominate Someone Else
If you know someone incredible that should be recognized for their work, share their name and email below. It's a fast and easy way to help recognize someone doing great work that deserves recognition.
AWARD CATEGORIES
Nomination Deadline Now July 31, 2026 at 11:59pm CT.
Community Impact Award
Sponsored by Money Masters
For the business going beyond revenue to uplift people,
solve problems, and be a force for good.
2025 Community Impact of the Year Winner:
Erin Slutsky
Podcast of the Year
Sponsored by
For creators who educate, inspire, and
build audiences with powerful, consistent content.
2025 Podcast of the Year Winner:
Blue Collar BS- Brad Herda
Speaker of the Year
Sponsored by CRASH DESIGN.CO
For voices that change the room. A celebration of
education, impact, and stage presence.
2025 Speaker of the Year Winner:
Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger
Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by Excel & Flourish
For the business that introduced something new to better serve their clients, improve results, or drive growth.
2025 Innovation of the Year Winner:
Susie Moon
Small Business Owner of the Year
Sponsored by Athena Legal Solutions
The big one. For leadership, innovation, and relentless pursuit of growth.
2025 Small Business Owner of the Year Winner:
Wendy Babcock
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