The event will take place Wednesday, May 6, at the historic Memorial Auditorium as part of Capital Region Small Business Week, which falls during National Small Business Week. Photo courtesy of Sacramento County

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - 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, at the historic Memorial Auditorium as part of Capital Region Small Business Week, which falls during National Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026).

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.”

U.S. Small Business Administration’s Sacramento Director Heather Luzzi added, “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. 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 Treasurer Fiona Ma, CPA said, “California’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, creating jobs and strengthening communities across the Capital Region. 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.”

The Sacramento County Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce the 2026 Sacramento County Changemaker Awardee, recognizing an exemplary business in the unincorporated County for its leadership, innovation and meaningful contributions to the community. This year’s Changemaker of the Year is Black Widow Tattoo Studio, located in North Highlands, celebrated for its positive impact and dedication to the local community.

In addition, the 2026 Small Business Award honorees highlight the very best of the Capital Region’s small business community. Region IX, which includes California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, will recognize White Bear Construction, Inc. of Alturas as Rural Small Business of the Year and Thermal Conductive Bonding, Inc. of Sacramento as Manufacturer of the Year.

The SBA Sacramento District Office will honor several outstanding local businesses and organizations, including Creekside Commercial Builders, Inc. of McClellan as Contractor of the Year, Capital Airshow Group of Sacramento as Non-Profit of the Year and Trinity Builders, LLC of Plumas Lake as Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year. J Vollbrecht Consulting Inc. of Escalon will be recognized as Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year and Maqsood Ali of TSI Engineering, Inc. in North Highlands will receive the Small Businessperson of the Year award. These honorees exemplify excellence, innovation and a strong commitment to the Capital Region’s economic growth.

To register for the event visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/capital-region-small-business-awards-tickets-1985390469339?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true.