Small Business of the Year

The Hampton Roads Chamber and the SBDC are proud to provide special recognition to Hampton Road’s small business community by presenting a variety of awards each year as outlined below.

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

One business from each of the five Southside cities (Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach), one Peninsula business, and one Western Hampton Roads business are selected from applicants as Small Business of the Year for their locality. From these local winners, the 2026 Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year is selected.

VETERAN & MILITARY SPOUSE OWNED BUSINESS AWARD

Veteran-owned small businesses bring unique strengths in entrepreneurship with values like leadership, discipline, and resilience honed during military service. In addition, the adaptability and resourcefulness of military spouses make them exceptional small business owners. Either group may apply for this award category.

The winner of this category is also eligible to be selected as the 2026 Regional Small Business of the Year.

TOP TO WATCH

Emerging small businesses bring fresh ideas, energy, and opportunities to the marketplace. This award recognizes innovative, early-stage small businesses that have been in business less than three years yet are already thriving and having an impact in our community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Small businesses are encouraged to apply directly for awards – a nomination is not required to apply. Judging is conducted by a committee of distinguished professionals and community leaders who bring expertise, fairness, and a passion for supporting small businesses in our region.

Timeline

Applications will be accepted from January 8 through February 6, 2026. Category finalists will be notified by the end of February, with winners announced by the end of March. From these locality winners, the Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year will be announced at an awards luncheon in May.

AWARDS PRESENTATION

The winner of the 2026 Hampton Roads Regional Small Business of the Year will be announced at an awards luncheon in May. The winner receives a gift package from the Hampton Roads Chamber valued at more than $10,000 that includes a one-year paid Chamber membership, special media promotion, and access to exclusive community building and networking opportunities.

NOMINATIONS & APPLICATIONS

Do you know a small business that’s raising the bar, creating jobs, or giving back in meaningful ways? Whether it’s your own business or one you admire, we encourage you to submit a nomination and help shine a spotlight on the entrepreneurs driving our region forward. A business is NOT required to be a Chamber member to be nominated.

Click here to submit a nomination and celebrate small business excellence in Hampton Roads!

A business must be a for-profit entity and meet the requirements listed under each category to apply for that award. Chamber membership is NOT required to apply.

2026 Small Business of the Year Application

*APPLY FOR THIS CATEGORY IF YOU HAVE:

• 1-250 employees as established in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
• Gross revenues of less than $10 million in 2025
• Been in business for AT LEAST three consecutive years

2026 Veteran & Military Spouse Owned Business Award Application

*APPLY FOR THIS CATEGORY IF YOU HAVE:

• At least 51% of your business owned by one or more veterans OR military spouse(s)
• 1-250 employees as established in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
• Gross revenues of less than $10 million in 2025
• Been in business for AT LEAST three consecutive years

2026 Top to Watch Application

*APPLY FOR THIS CATEGORY IF YOU HAVE:

• 1-250 employees as established in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
• Gross revenues of less than $10 million in 2025
• Been in business for LESS THAN three consecutive years