SBAC ADVOCACY AWARDS 

Nominations Are Officially Open

Why These Awards Matter

Small businesses are the backbone of our economy—but progress only happens when people speak up. These awards honor those who:

  • Champion fair and impactful policies
  • Elevate the voices of entrepreneurs
  • Create pathways for business growth and innovation
  • Strengthen the small business ecosystem for future generations

This celebration is about more than recognition—it’s about amplifying advocacy in action.

The Path to the 2026 Advocacy Awards Celebration Starts Right Now—With YOU.

Nominations are now open, and we’re calling on our members, partners, and small business champions to help identify the individuals and organizations making a real difference for small businesses across Illinois.

If you’ve seen advocacy in action—someone who speaks up, steps in, or stands firm for small businesses—this is your moment to make sure their work is recognized.

How the Nomination Process Works

Recognizing advocacy should be simple—and meaningful. Here’s how it works:

 

    1. Choose an Award Category
       Review the 10 award categories below and select the one that best fits your nominee’s impact.

    2. Tell Their Story
       Complete a short nomination form sharing why this individual or organization deserves recognition. Specific examples and       

       stories are encouraged!

    3. Submit & Celebrate
       Once nominations close, finalists will move forward into the voting phase, leading up to the live awards celebration in     

       November.

 

✨ Anyone can nominate.

✨ Self‑nominations are welcome.
✨ One strong story can spark community‑wide recognition.

 

Explore the award categories below and help us recognize the leaders, champions, and changemakers who move small business forward.

Submit a Nomination Here
Small Business Champion

This award honors an individual or organization that demonstrates unwavering commitment to advancing the success of small businesses across Illinois. The Small Business Champion consistently shows up—advocating, supporting, and elevating small business needs through leadership, action, and long-term dedication. Their work strengthens the business environment and sets a statewide example.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe how the nominee has demonstrated a sustained commitment to supporting small businesses in Illinois.
  • Provide specific examples of actions, initiatives, or leadership that benefited small
  • What makes this nominee a true “champion” for small businesses?

This award recognizes a person, organization, or initiative that sparked meaningful change for Illinois small businesses. Whether through innovation, new programs, or impactful problem-solving, the Catalyst Award honors those who ignite progress and introduce solutions that drive meaningful improvements for small business owners.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe the initiative, program, or action led by the nominee that sparked meaningful change for small businesses in Illinois.
  • When did this effort begin, and what challenge or opportunity did it address?
  • What outcomes or measurable results have been achieved?

This award highlights a nominee whose work has significantly contributed to the economic vitality of Illinois communities. Recipients demonstrate measurable outcomes—such as job creation, business support, investment attraction, or community revitalization—that strengthen the small business ecosystem and fuel long-term economic growth.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe the nominee’s economic impact on Illinois
  • Provide measurable outcomes where possible (e.g., jobs created, businesses supported, investment generated).
  • How has this impact extended beyond the nominee’s own organization?

This award honors an individual who has been a leading voice for small business interests in Illinois. Through policy advocacy, community engagement, and leadership, this person helps address challenges, amplify business concerns, and drive actionable solutions in support of Illinois entrepreneurs.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe the nominee’s role in advocating for small business interests in
  • What specific issues, policies, or challenges has the nominee addressed?
  • What outcomes or changes resulted from the nominee’s advocacy efforts?

This award recognizes an elected official who has demonstrated a strong, consistent record of supporting small businesses in Illinois. From championing legislation to engaging with business owners directly, this leader advances a pro-small-business agenda and works to create a healthier business environment.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe the nominee’s record of supporting small businesses in
  • Identify specific legislation, policies, or initiatives championed by the
  • How has the nominee engaged with and responded to the small business community?

This award celebrates individuals or agencies that have significantly reduced regulatory or administrative burdens for Illinois small businesses. These champions streamline processes, eliminate unnecessary barriers, and help make it easier for entrepreneurs to start, manage, and grow a business.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe the regulatory or administrative barrier the nominee helped reduce or
  • What actions did the nominee take to streamline processes or reduce burdens for small businesses?
  • How did these changes improve the experience of operating a small business in Illinois?

This award honors a nominee who excels at connecting small businesses with resources, partners, and opportunities. Through relationship-building and strategic collaboration, the Community Connector strengthens the ecosystem and ensures business owners can access the support they need to thrive.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe how the nominee connects small businesses with resources, partners, or
  • What networks, programs, or partnerships has the nominee helped build or strengthen?
  • What impact has this connectivity had on the small business community?

This award recognizes a nominee who brings together stakeholders to pursue a shared goal that benefits small businesses. Through collaboration, coordination, and strategic leadership, this individual or organization builds strong alliances that drive meaningful, collective impact.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe the coalition or collaborative effort led by the
  • Who were the key stakeholders involved, and what shared goal was pursued?
  • What outcomes or successes resulted from this collaborative effort?

This award highlights emerging leaders—young professionals, new entrepreneurs, or rising advocates—who are shaping the future of small business in Illinois. These nominees bring innovation, modern strategies, and early impact that signal long-term influence in the small business landscape.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe how the nominee is shaping the future of small business in
  • What innovative or forward-thinking approaches has the nominee introduced?
  • What early impacts demonstrate the nominee’s potential for long-term influence?

This award honors journalists, media outlets, or content creators who elevate Illinois small businesses through meaningful storytelling. Their coverage informs the public, influences policy discussions, and helps amplify the voices and experiences of entrepreneurs across the state.

Nomination Questions:

  • Describe the nominee’s coverage of small business issues in
  • Provide examples of stories, series, or content that elevated small business
  • How has this coverage informed the public, influenced policy, or supported small businesses?

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