The Lewis A. Shattuck Advocate of the Year Award
NSBA’s Lewis A. Shattuck Small Business 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. Four finalists and one winner are recognized at the Advocate of the Year Luncheon in Washington, D.C. Applications for the 2026 award are open through July 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT, with winners to be announced at NSBA's Washington Presentation Sept. 22, 2026.
How to Apply
Submit your completed 2026 Advocate of the Year Award Application no later than Friday, July 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EDT.
NSBA Staff will process your application, and a panel of Trustees will determine one winner and up to four finalists no later than Monday, August 17, 2026.
Our winner and finalists will be recognized during the opening luncheon of the 2026 Washington Presentation on September 22, 2026.
Get involved today.
With the application window for the 2026 Advocate of the Year Award now open, you're invited to participate in two ways:
Remember:
- Apply for yourself by completing our 2026 Advocate of the Year Application Form.
- Nominate someone else - complete our Candidate Suggestion Form, and our staff will invite the candidate to apply.
Remember to submit your application no later than Friday, July 10 at 5:00 p.m. EDT!