2026 Salute to Small Business Week & Awards Luncheon

Description

SAVE THE DATE FOR SMALL BUSINESS WEEK! May 4-8, 2026

The Abilene Chamber of Commerce will be spotlighting individuals and businesses who, through their independent entrepreneurial spirit, play a vital role in building the community and the economy. To be nominated is a reward in itself and a nomination serves as a great tribute to a company?s leadership and employees. All small business nominees and recipients will be recognized at the Salute to Small Business Luncheon. Salute to Small Business Week is Presented by First Financial Bank, Star Auto Group, and America's SBDC at Texas Tech. 


Small Business Award Categories

Small Business Community Investment Award, sponsored by First Financial Bank
Family-Owned Business of the Year, sponsored by Star Auto Group
Small Business Young Entrepreneur of the Year, sponsored by Raymond James - Erik Presley
New Business of the Year, sponsored by Abilene Environmental Landfill


See All 2025 Nominees & Finalists Here  |  List of Previous Winners Here


Small Business Activities for the Week

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK KICK-OFF: MON., MAY 4
It's the most wonderful time of the year! Help us as we pay tribute to the work you all have done over the past year at the Star Auto Group Small Business Week Ribbon Cutting Celebration! Join us in the Star Dodge Showroom (5101 S 1st St) at 4:00pm. Register to Attend Here.
 
Are you a business without a storefront? Let us help celebrate your business with a Ribbon Cutting during! Click here to get more info.
 
SALUTE TO SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS LUNCHEON: WED., MAY 6 
Join us for our annual Salute to Small Business Awards Luncheon where we honor and recognize the recipients of the 2025 Small Business Awards. Register to attend the luncheon here.

TRIBUTE TO SMALL BUSINESSES SOCIAL MEDIA DAY WED., MAY 7 & THURS., MAY 8
Engage with us on social media as we pay tribute to, honor, and share fun facts about why small businesses are so important to Abilene and our economy. Include #SmallBizWeek in your post so we can share!  

THE MORNING EDGE - SMALL BUSINESS WEEK EDITION: FRI, MAY 9
Network with other small businesses over coffee and a breakfast burrito! This final event of our Salute to Small Business Week will be hosted by our Hispanic Business Council and First Financial Bank. Hear sponsor presentations from this week's sponsors, America's SBDC at Texas Tech, First Financial Bank, and Star Auto Group. Register to attend this networking event here.