2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards Nominations Now Open
The Maui Chamber of Commerce invites community members to nominate businesses, nonprofits, or individuals making a difference in Maui County for the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards. Nominations are due by Friday, September 18, 2026.
All nominees and award recipients will be honored at the awards ceremony on October 21, 2026, highlighting exceptional contributions to Maui’s economy and community.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible nominees include businesses with 100 or fewer employees that have been operating for at least two years. Evaluation criteria encompass:
- Business leadership in a changing economy
- Quality work environment for employees
- Exemplary customer service and Aloha Spirit
- Community partnerships
- Innovative practices that sustain operations
- Other exceptional qualities or traits
Award Categories
- Exceptional Small Business of the Year (10 or fewer employees)
- Exceptional Small Business of the Year (11 to 39 employees)
- Exceptional Small Business of the Year (40 to 100 employees)
- Outstanding Nonprofit Business (100 or fewer employees)
- Young Small Business Person of the Year (under 40 as of October 21, 2026)
- Lifetime Achievement Award (individual doing business in Maui County for over 20 years)
Nomination Process
Anyone can nominate a deserving business or individual, except for self-nominations. To nominate, submit the following by September 18, 2026:
- Online nomination form
- Explanation of how the nominee meets the award criteria
- A letter of recommendation from a third party
- A high-resolution digital photograph of the nominee
Each nominee can be entered in one category only per year. Past winners cannot be nominated in the same category again but can be considered for different categories. Employees of the County of Maui and Maui Chamber of Commerce are not eligible for nomination.
More Information
Nomination forms, past award recipients, and an instructional video are available at MauiChamber.com. For inquiries, contact the Maui Chamber of Commerce at (808) 244-0081 or office@mauichamber.com.
Pamela Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce, encourages community members to recognize deserving businesses and individuals:
“There are so many businesses and leaders across Maui County who demonstrate innovation, resilience, leadership, and the true spirit of aloha every day. The Mayor’s Small Business Awards are an opportunity for our community to shine a spotlight on their contributions.”
Don’t wait! Submit your nominations by September 18, 2026. The awards event is scheduled for October 21, 2026.
