The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting nominations for its 2011 National Small Business Week Awards.

Each year since 1963, the SBA’s Small Business Week Awards have recognized outstanding individuals from America’s small business community for their achievements and contributions to the nation’s economy. In 2010, this celebration will honor the best of an estimated 27 million small businesses in America.

State winners of Small Business Person of the Year awards will attend the national Small Business Week celebration in Washington, D.C., in May 2011 to compete for the title of National Small Business Person of the Year. Award winners in other categories go on to compete at the regional and national levels.

Nomination guidelines and a list of awards:
• www.sba.gov/idc/groups/public/documents/ia_des_moines/sbwnominationguidelines2011.pdf.

Nomination submissions:
• Must be submitted or postmarked to the SBA’s Des Moines District Office by Dec. 3.