Lewis A. Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award
NSBA’s Advocate of the Year Award honors a small-business owner who demonstrates exceptional leadership in commerce and small-business advocacy through volunteerism, policy work, and community impact.
Apply
Now through July 10, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EDT
Recognition
2026 Washington Presentation, September 22, 2026
Finalists
Up to four finalists and one winner recognized in Washington, D.C.
What Is the Advocate of the Year Award?
The Lewis A. Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award recognizes small-business owners who go above and beyond in advocating for the small-business community. The award celebrates business leadership, volunteerism, policy engagement, community impact, and the people who help make small-business advocacy possible.
Why Apply?
National Recognition
Finalists and winners are recognized through NSBA’s national small-business advocacy platform.
Recognition at Washington Presentation
Honorees are celebrated during NSBA’s Washington Presentation in Washington, D.C.
Connection with Fellow Advocates
AOTY honorees join a cohort of small-business leaders committed to advocacy and policy impact.
Use of the AOTY 2026 Logo
Honorees receive exclusive use of the AOTY 2026 logo for one year.
Team and Workforce Recognition
The program helps recognize not only the owner, but also the organization and people behind the business.
Place in NSBA History
The 2026 honorees become part of NSBA’s 18th AOTY cohort.
Meet the 2025 Finalists and Winner
At WP25, NSBA celebrated the finalists and announced the winners of the 2025 Lewis Shattuck Small Business Advocate of the Year Award.
Dwayne Groll
View Profile2025 Advocate of the Year
Christine Hopkins
View Profile2025 Rising Star
Celebrate AOTY at Washington Presentation
The Advocate of the Year winner and finalists are recognized during NSBA’s Washington Presentation, where small-business owners and NSBA members gather in Washington, D.C. to meet with Congress and advocate for common-sense small-business priorities.
Ready to Apply or Nominate a Small-Business Advocate?
Submit your application or nominate a small-business owner who has demonstrated leadership, advocacy, volunteerism, and impact on behalf of the small-business community.
