In celebration of National Small Business Week, May 3-9, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is honoring nine Arizona small businesses and lending partners for their contributions to the economy during national and local award ceremonies.
“National Small Business Week is a time to recognize the power of small business. We celebrate the dedication, leadership, and innovation of small business owners and advocates who drive growth and create prosperity in our communities,” said Corey Wunderlich, Arizona SBA District Director. “I invite you to join me in honoring the achievements of our Arizona National Small Business Week award winners and thank them for their continued contributions to our state and nation.”
National Small Business Week ceremonies will be held in Washington, D.C. on May 3, where awards will be presented to winners from across the country. During the national ceremonies, Alma Ornelas, Owner of The Best Taquito in Yuma, AZ will be awarded Arizona Small Business Person of the Year.
All the Arizona winners will be recognized during a local awards celebration at the annual AZBizCon 2026 hosted by the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) on May 4, 2026. The event is designed to support local entrepreneurs through networking, break-out sessions, and a small business expo. To attend the local Arizona celebration, please visit: www.asba.com/azbizcon
The SBA Arizona District Office and SBA Resource Partners are offering further events and trainings during National Small Business Week. These events are designed to connect small business owners and entrepreneurs with information and resources to support them to start, grow and expand. Visit the event calendar at www.sba.gov/az to register for Arizona’s NSBW events. Business owners may also attend the SBA NSBW Virtual Summit by registering at www.sba.gov/nsbw.
The 2026 SBA National Small Business Week Arizona winners are:
Arizona Small Business Person of the Year – Alma Ornelas, The Best Taquito – Yuma, AZ
Arizona Small Business Exporter of the Year – Raynald Bédard and Brett Watts, True Course Simulations – Prescott, AZ
Arizona Small Business Development Center of Excellence – Crystal Mendoza, Director, Arizona Western College SBDC – Yuma, AZ
Arizona Rural Small Business of the Year – Kevin Barton, KB Customs – Mesa, AZ
Arizona Woman Business of the Year – Dania Vizcarra and Patricia L. Lara, Tacos Marlyn– Yuma, AZ
Arizona Veteran Small Business of the Year – Peter A. Romero, Camp Titan Fitness – Yuma, AZ
Arizona District Office Recognition Award – Belinda Rosthenhausler, CDC Small Business Finance – Phoenix, AZ
Arizona SBA 7(a) Lender of the Year – National Bank of Arizona
Arizona SBA 504 Lender of the Year – TMC Financing
