SBA Dallas Fort Worth District Office Announces Local Honorees for National Small Business Week 2026
Dallas, Texas — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Dallas Fort Worth District Office announced local honorees for National Small Business Week(NSBW), which will take place this year from May 3 – 9, 2026. Each year during NSBW, the SBA recognizes exceptional small businesses across all 50 states, as well as U.S. districts and territories. Those who were selected to win national awards will be honored in Washington, D.C. on May 3rd at the SBA National Small Business Week Awards Ceremony.
“During National Small Business Week, SBA is honored to recognize the job creators, builders, and innovators who fuel our nation’s economy and anchor communities across America,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler.“This year, as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, we are highlighting the historic America First agenda that is driving growth, opportunity, and strength for the next generation of entrepreneurs. Through tax cuts, fair trade, and deregulation, the Trump Administration is proud to stand with America’s small businesses – and to celebrate the strong comeback of Main Street.”
“This year’s National Small Business Week honorees represent the innovation and determination that define the Dallas /Fort Worth Districts 72 Counties. saidRegional Administrator Justin Crossie.“They are building businesses that create jobs, strengthen local economies, and open new doors of opportunity.”
The SBA Dallas/Fort Worth District Office is proud to recognize:
Nicole Kirk, owner of Dear Heart in Wichita Falls, Texas, as the 2026 Small Businessperson of the Year.
The Story behind Dear Heart
She exemplifies the spirit of American entrepreneurship as a faith-based, woman-owned, U.S. manufacturing small business committed to community and craftsmanship.
Nicole’s journey began while she was in college, when she created and sold handmade bracelets to help a friend raise funds for a mission trip. Within 48 hours, she generated more than $1,000 in sales—enough to fully support her friend’s efforts. Shortly after, she received an unexpected sale from a customer outside her network for the same amount she had just donated, reinforcing her belief in the business’s potential.
Thirteen years later, Dear Heart has grown into a thriving company with more than 50 employees. The business produces apparel locally in Wichita Falls and ships products nationwide. Nicole is now preparing to open the company’s flagship retail location, marking another milestone in her entrepreneurial journey.
You can find information on Dear Heart: www.dearheart.com
“Our winners exemplify the best of entrepreneurship and small business leadership, contributing significantly to economic vitality across the Dallas/Ft. Worth Districts 72 counties and beyond. Their vision, resilience, and dedication serve as an inspiration to the entire business community. We are honored to celebrate their contributions to the vibrancy of U.S. economy,” said Jonel Hein, SBA Dallas/Ft. Worth’s Acting District Director.
“We have truly enjoyed supporting this year’s SBA Award winners across North Texas. These businesses represent the very best of innovation, resilience, and community impact. It is an honor for the SBDC to play a role in their journey, and we celebrate their well-deserved recognition. “Mark Langford, North Texas SBDC Executive Director
The Local District Office Award Winners Include:
- Small Businessperson of the Year-Dear Heart, Wichita Falls, Texas
- Young Entrepreneur of the Year- Pack N Mail, Longview Texas & Gilmer Texas
- Family-Owned Business of the Year-Luigi’s Italian Café, Mt Pleasant, Texas
- Financial Services Champion of the Year-Point Bank, Lisa Cave, Pilot Point, Texas
- Veteran Small Business Champion or Business of the Year: Watson Premier Solutions LLC,
- Woman Owned Small Business of the Year-Angelina’s Mexican Restaurant Hickory Creek Texas
- Small Business Manufacturer of the Year-Thomas Machining Inc. Red Oak Texas
- Rural Small Business of the Year Hoegger Family Farms Scotland Texas
- Blue-Collar Small Business of the Year Phillips Home Improvements Allan Texas
Since 1963, the President of the United States has declared National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses as the job creators, builders, and innovators of America’s economy. This year, small businesses in Dallas Fort Worth District’s 72 counties and across the nation are benefitting from a host of new pro-growth incentives introduced as part of the America First agenda – including historic deregulation, fair trade, and Working Family Tax Cuts that have already restored opportunity and investment on Main Street. Today, small businessoptimism is above its 52-year average.
In addition to recognizing award winners, the SBA DFW District Office will host events throughout National Small Business Week to connect entrepreneurs with resources, training, and opportunities to start, grow, and succeed.
Details on National Small Business Week, the award winners, and the virtual summit are featured on www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on www.sba.gov/eventsand are identifiable by searching #SmallBusinessWeek.
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About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visitwww.sba.gov.
Cosponsorship Authorization #26-1-C. SBA’s participation in this Cosponsored Activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.
About the SBA Dallas Fort Worth District Office.
Our office provides help with SBA services including funding programs, counseling, federal contracting certifications, and disaster recovery. We can also connect you to our partner organizations, lenders, and other community groups that help small businesses succeed. We have Lender Relations /Economic Development in Dallas/Fort Worth as well as the NE / East/Deep East Texas.
The District Office serves the following counties:
Anderson, Archer, Baylor, Bell, Bosque, Bowie, Brown, Callahan, Camp, Cass, Cherokee, Clay, Coleman, Collin, Comanche, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Delta, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fannin, Franklin, Freestone, Grayson, Gregg, Hamilton, Harrison, Henderson, Hill, Hood, Hopkins, Hunt, Jack, Johnson, Kaufman, Lamar, Limestone, Marion, McLennon, Mills, Montague, Morris, Nacogdoches, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Rains, Red River, Rockwall, Rusk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shackelford, Shelby, Smith, Somerville, Stephens, Tarrant, Throckmorton, Titus, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wichita, Wilbarger, Wise, Wood, Young.
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