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.
Finalists
Announced Adovate of the Year Awards Luncheon
Recognition
Across Washington and Small-Business Community
Winners
Announced at Washington Presentation
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 Our Finalists and Winners
Congratulations to NSBA's 2026 Rising Star Whintey Collela, PhD, owners of Gaia Energy, and our Advocate of the Year Christine Hopkins, owner of ASCI Family of Companies, pictured left.
MEET THE 2026 CLASSCelebrate 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?
The current application is closed, but meet our 2026 Finalists and Winners ahead of 2027's application.
