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          Come hear from Governor Maura Healey as she addresses Chamber members as the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth.

          02/24/2026

          9:45am - 11:00am

          The Westin Boston Seaport

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          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

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Boston Chamber
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          About Us
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          Discover our mission, values, and leadership.

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          Member Benefits
          Grow Your Business

          Explore benefits that power your success.

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          Browse our network of businesses.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Events & Networking
        • Events & Networking

          • Overview
          • Upcoming Events
          • Limited Series
          • Chamber Awards
          • Foundation Initiatives
        • WHAT’S NEXT

          ...
          Upcoming Events
          Engage & Learn

          Explore opportunities to connect and grow.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • FEATURED EVENT

          ...
          Series
          2026 Government Affairs Forum | Governor Maura Healey

          Come hear from Governor Maura Healey as she addresses Chamber members as the 73rd Governor of the Commonwealth.

          02/24/2026

          9:45am - 11:00am

          The Westin Boston Seaport

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

          • Annual & Premier Events
          • Economic Inclusion
          • Small Business & Entrepreneurship
          • Digital Media & Marketing
          • Public Policy
          • Professional Development
          • Women’s Network
          • Workforce Development
          • Young Professionals Network
          • VIEW ALL PROGRAMMING
  • Member Engagement
        • Member Engagement

          • Member Resources
          • Member Deals
          • Sponsorship Opportunities
          • Small Business Benefits
          • Connect with your Member Services Rep
          • Member Spotlights
          • Sign In
        • ...
          Maximize Your Membership
          Register Now

          Take advantage of exclusive perks and programs for members.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Membership Directory
          Discover fellow Chamber members.

          Browse our directory to find and connect with member community.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Stay Involved

          Join experiences that build relationships and spark ideas.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Talent & Workforce
        • Talent & Workforce

          • Professional Development
          • Workforce Development
          • Open Programs
          • Insights
        • WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT (FOUNDATION) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Partnership with Boston Public Schools 

          The Chamber Foundation invites the business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to help build the future workforce.

          Read More
          Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

          Level up your leadership and communication in this Boston Chamber workshop for professionals—gain essential skills in team alignment.

          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
          • Government Affairs Forum
          • Eds & Meds Report
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Foundation
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          • About
          • Board of Directors
          • Our Funders
          • Upcoming Events
          • Donate
        • ...
          Our Mission
          Expanding Opportunity

          Learn how we advance talent and small business growth.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Foundation Initiatives
          Programming That Empowers

          Explore our key priorities and strategic efforts.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Upcoming Events
          Get Involved

          Join us at our next Foundation event.

          arrow-go
          Read More
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Small Business of the Year Awards

2026 Small Business of the Year Awards

March 13, 2026 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Nominate Today

Overview

  • Join us in celebrating the achievements of the outstanding small businesses who are making a big impact in the Greater Boston community and beyond.
  • The annual Small Business of the Year Awards showcase the contributions of small businesses to our communities.

Nominations

  • Nominations are open until Friday March 13th!
  • We are accepting self-nominations.
Nominate Today
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  • Overview
  • Award Categories
  • FAQs
  • Funders

Help us recognize, support, and honor small businesses in our region with your nomination.

Small businesses are the engine behind our region’s economy. According to the Small Business Administration’s most recent profile, small businesses account for 99.5% of all Massachusetts businesses and employ 1.4 million people. For over 35 years, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce has celebrated the vital contributions, economic impact, and cultural influence of small businesses with the Small Business of the Year Awards.

The Small Business of the Year Awards honors the top small, high-growth businesses that demonstrate achievement in management, workplace excellence, product innovation, and social responsibility, with a commitment to growing in Greater Boston.

ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS STRONG

Small Business Strong is a leading technical assistance initiative that revitalizes and fortifies small businesses, especially women and minority owned enterprises, through expedited, pro-bono resources. Small Business Strong has served more than 3,600 businesses, preserved nearly 10,000 jobs, and bolstered the health of the region’s small businesses to create an inclusive, dynamic economy.

Small Business Strong is an initiative of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Chamber’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm. Our work, focused on workforce and talent development, and economic inclusion, supports people and small businesses through programs that develop talent, cultivate future leaders, retain a strong workforce, and promote inclusive growth.
View Our Previous Winners

Questions? Contact us.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Kaija Chalmus

Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Kaija

Award Categories

INNOVATION & GROWTH

A business that has developed or utilized technology and practices to innovate and accelerate growth.

CULTURAL EXCELLENCE

A business that exemplifies the Chamber’s mission making Greater Boston the best place for all people and all businesses to thrive through a strong and supportive workplace culture.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

A business that demonstrates a commitment to enhancing the future of the Greater Boston community through a focus on social impact.

TALENT DEVELOPMENT & INCLUSION

A business that values, prioritizes, and actively invests in creating an inclusive environment while fostering talent development and growth across the organization.

CEO LEADERSHIP

An executive who demonstrates exemplary leadership that has made a tangible, positive difference within their organization.

CHAMPION

A small business owner or incubator working to strengthen and advocate for the small business community.

FAQs

  • Can I nominate my own company or the company I work for?

    Yes! You can self-nominate.

  • Do you have to be a member of the Chamber to win an award?

    No. Both Chamber members and non-members are eligible to win an award.

  • Do you have to be a member of the Chamber to nominate a small business for an award?

    No. Nominations are open to all regardless of Chamber membership.

  • Can a small business be nominated in more than one category?

    Yes! However, a small business can only win in one award category, not multiple.

  • Are past winners eligible to receive this award again?

    No, past honorees are ineligible.

  • Who is ineligible to receive a Small Business of the Year awards?

    ​Non-profits and business associations, and their staff members, are ineligible.

  • How many winners will there be?

    One for each of the six award categories: Innovation & Growth; Cultural Excellence; Community Impact; Diversity & Inclusion; CEO Leadership, and; Small Business Champion.

  • How will the small business of the year awards be given this year?

    This year’s winners won’t just be recognized—they’ll be showcased.



    Award recipients will be spotlighted across the Chamber’s full communications ecosystem, giving them a well‑earned platform in front of one of the region’s largest business audiences. That means prominent features on our website—visited over 600k times in 2025—as well as dedicated announcements across our social media and email channels, which collectively reach more than 60,000 people.

  • If more than one person nominates me, will it improve my chances of receiving an award?

    No. Each nominee only needs one nomination to be considered. The nomination will be judged based on the nominee’s application and candidate profile.

  • Can I nominate more than one small business?

    Absolutely. Individuals are encouraged to nominate as many small businesses as they would like.

Our Funders

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Together, we create a powerful ecosystem that drives
business success, strengthens communities, and enhances
Massachusetts’ long-term competitiveness.

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