Small Business Week
2026
Small Business Week in the Pikes Peak Region
Small Business Week (SBW) in the Pikes Peak Region is a lively weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and the small businesses that are the backbone of our local economy. Established over 20 years ago through a partnership between the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, and Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, this annual event has grown from a one-day banquet into the largest local Small Business Week in Colorado and in 2020 we were the largest in the United States!
Event Program Schedule
Monday: 4:30-7:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00-10:00 AM
Wednesday: 11:30-1:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00-7:00 PM
Friday: 4:00-7:00 PM
Tickets are now available
Tickets are now available for Small Business Week 2026! Don’t miss your chance to be part of an exciting lineup of events celebrating local entrepreneurs, innovation, and community.
Reserve your spot today and be part of the celebration.
Award Categories
Young Entrepreneur of the year Award
Finalists:
- LINE-X of Colorado Springs
- Sam Talarico - Gormai/EventFlow/Talarico Ventures
- Kelsee Swenn - Good Intentions
The Young Entrepreneur of the Year award honors an entrepreneur younger than 35 years of age with at least a one-year track record – demonstrating innovativeness, commitment to the community, and potential for long-term business success.
Small Business Champion Award
Finalists:
- Beth Taylor - Colorado APEX Accelerator
- Trevor Dierdorff - Amnet
- Melissa Scruggs - Financial Talent Group
The Small Business Champion of the Year award honors an individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities – dedicating time and effort to advocating for, promoting, and serving small businesses.
Family-Owned Small Business Award
Finalists:
- Sevan Stryker - Penkhus Motor Company
- David Leinweber - Angler's Covey
- Eva Robinson - Smith Plumbing and Heating
This award honors a family-owned and operated business, with multiple generations represented with at least a ten-year track record – demonstrating commitment to the community and other family-owned businesses, prioritizing family, and having potential for long-term business success.
Small Business Person of the Year
Finalists:
- Jackie Lujan - The Lighthouse Early Care and Education
- Fred Ramirez - Apache Electric
- Brandy Dietz - Elevated Entrances
This award honors a business owner/operator (or team) with at least a three-year track record who meets multiple criteria defining a successful entrepreneur. Criteria includes demonstrating exceptional increase in sales, net profit, and net worth, sustained growth in number of employees, staying power, innovativeness in product or service, overcoming adversity, and community contributions. This is the most elite and prestigious award due to the number of criteria the business must meet.
Veteran-owned Small Business Award
Finalists:
- Sam Westfall - Valor Archery Challenge
- James Garofalo - Lokiten Behavioral Health
- Adelmarie Rivera - Bellona Financial Solutions
This award honors a U.S. Armed Forces veteran who has owned and operated a business with at least a two-year track record demonstrating commitment to the community and other veteran-owned businesses, incorporating their experience as a veteran into their business model, and having potential for long-term business success.
Micro Business of the Year Award
Finalists:
- Melissa Scruggs - Financial Talent Group
- Karene Williams - Colonel Mustards Sandwich Emporium
- Sandi Griffin - Colorado Springs Health and Fitness Expo
This award honors a small but mighty micro business with 10 or fewer employees that has operated for at least one year, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and meaningful contributions to the local economy. This award recognizes the unique impact micro businesses make in strengthening our communities while building a strong foundation for continued success.
Small Business Week 2026 Agenda
MONDAY MAY 4TH
BUSINESS AWARDS CELEBRATION
CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN ZOO
Kick off Small Business Week by celebrating the outstanding businesses that make our community thrive. Join us for an evening of connection, recognition, and inspiration as we honor excellence & impact across the region.
TUESDAY MAY 5TH
AI POWER UP
TAVA HOUSE
Power up your business with a practical and engaging look at how AI is transforming the way we work. This session will explore real tools, trends, & strategies to help small businesses work smarter & stay competitive.
WEDNESDAY MAY 6TH
SMALL BUSINESS LISTENING TOUR
HARVEY HOUSE–CATALYST CAMPUS
A collaborative session where small business owners share challenges and opportunities directly with policymakers. Lunch tables will be structured as working groups to facilitate meaningful feedback and discussion.
THURSDAY MAY 7TH
PITCH COMPETITION
MENTALLY STRONG
This exciting pitch competition will showcase innovative small businesses & startups leveraging AI to solve real-world problems. Attendees will hear live pitches from entrepreneurs competing for a $50,000 prize package of AWS AI services.
FRIDAY MAY 8TH
CLOSING CEREMONIES
TRAINWRECK
Wrap up Small Business Week with a celebratory closing event. Reflect on the week, connect with fellow business owners & partners, & help us close out the celebration of small businesses.
Small Business Week 2026 Hosts
Presenting Sponsor
Back for the 20th Year!
Small Business Week Awards Ceremony Sponsor
Corporate Sponsors
Award Sponsors
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsor
Small Business Champion Award Sponsor
Family-Owned Small Business Award Sponsor
Small Business Person of the Year Award Sponsor
Veteran-Owned Small Business Award Sponsor
Micro Business of the Year Award Sponsor
Workshop Sponsors
Media Sponsor
Radio Sponsors
Industry Sponsor
TV Sponsor
