The Sacramento County Office of Economic Development, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, and the California State Treasurer’s Office invite the public to attend the Capital Region Small Business Awards, a premier luncheon and business expo celebrating the entrepreneurs and small businesses that power the regional economy.
The event will take place Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the historic Memorial Auditorium as part of Capital Region Small Business Week, which falls during National Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026).
- Register for the event on Eventbrite.
Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, exchange insights and celebrate the achievements of this year’s award recipients. The event will feature a business expo highlighting available resources and services designed to support small business growth across the region.
National Small Business Week highlights the critical role small businesses play in driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the country.
The Capital Region Small Business Awards is the signature regional celebration that brings together local leaders and entrepreneurs whose innovation, resilience and community impact continue to strengthen the Sacramento region.
“Small businesses shape the character and strength of our communities,” said Crystal Bethke, Director of the Sacramento County Office of Economic Development. “This event is all about celebrating those leading the way in growth and impact.”
Leaders from local, state and federal agencies echoed Bethke’s comments.
“Small businesses are essential to Sacramento’s economic vitality and to the vibrancy of our neighborhoods,” said Sacramento City Manager Maraskeshia Smith. “We are proud to partner in this year’s Capital Region Small Business Awards to recognize the entrepreneurs and innovators who are driving growth, creating jobs and shaping the future of our region. Their impact is felt across our community, and we remain committed to supporting their continued success.”
“On behalf of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Sacramento District Office, it is my great honor to congratulate the outstanding Small Business Awardees from our region,” said U.S. Small Business Administration’s Sacramento Director Heather Luzzi. “These exceptional entrepreneurs and businesses exemplify the innovation, resilience and community impact that make America’s 36.2 million small business sector the engine of our economy. Their achievements not only strengthen our local communities across northeastern California but also highlight the vital role small businesses play in creating jobs and building a stronger future for all. We are proud to celebrate their success during National Small Business Week and look forward to their continued contributions."
“California’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the Capital Region,” said California Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA. “This event is a powerful reminder of the talent and innovation found in our small business community. We are honored to celebrate these outstanding entrepreneurs and remain dedicated to helping them access the Capital and support they need to continue growing and creating opportunity in the region and across California.”
“National Small Business Week celebrates the resilience, innovation and pride of America’s small businesses,” said U.S. Small Business Administration’s Pacific Regional Administrator Steven Snow. “Their dedication powers our economy, builds a stronger middle class and helps communities across the nation grow and prosper.”
2026 Sacramento County Changemaker Awardee
The Sacramento County Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce this exemplary business in the unincorporated County, recognizing its leadership, innovation and meaningful contributions to the community.
- Changemaker of the Year: Black Widow Tattoo Studio (North Highlands)
2026 Small Business Award Honorees
These honorees represent the very best of the Capital Region’s small business community. The following businesses and organizations will be recognized at this year’s event:
Region IX Awardees (California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands):
- Rural Small Business of the Year: White Bear Construction, Inc. (Alturas)
- Manufacturer of the Year: Thermal Conductive Bonding, Inc. (Sacramento)
SBA Sacramento District Office Awardees:
- Contractor of the Year: Creekside Commercial Builders, Inc. (McClellan)
- Non-Profit of the Year: Capital Airshow Group (Sacramento)
- Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year: Trinity Builders, LLC (Plumas Lake)
- Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year: J Vollbrecht Consulting Inc. (Escalon)
- Small Businessperson of the Year: Maqsood Ali, TSI Engineering, Inc. (North Highlands)