By Jennifer Conrad, Editor-in-Chief
Last year, we launched the inaugural Small Business Impact Awards to spotlight the founders whose work gives Arizona its heartbeat. We knew these entrepreneurs were shaping their communities — what we didn’t expect was how deeply their stories would resonate across the region.
In our first year, nominations came from every corner of Maricopa County. Family-run shops. Mission-driven nonprofits. Solopreneurs grinding late into the night. Startups finding their first foothold. What threaded them all together was one truth:
Impact isn’t something you measure.
Impact is something you feel.
And we felt it — in every nomination, every story, every founder willing to keep going when it would’ve been easier to stop.
This year marks a new chapter.
Year Two: The Statewide Expansion
The Small Business Impact Awards are now entering their second year, and with that comes a pivotal evolution:
We are expanding statewide — honoring small businesses across all of Arizona.
Impact exists everywhere:
- In Northern Arizona’s legacy family businesses
- In the cultural centers and emerging startups of Southern Arizona
- In the innovators building in Central Arizona
- In the community anchors in Eastern and Western Arizona
Every region is unique.
Every region deserves to be seen.
Every region shapes the identity of our state.
Award Categories — New for 2026
To honor the depth and diversity of Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, this year’s awards include six statewide categories:
- Emerging Founder of the Year
- Innovative Business of the Year
- Community Impact Award
- Legacy Family Business Award
- Rural Impact Leader
- Entrepreneur of the Year
These categories allow us to recognize the full spectrum of entrepreneurial courage — from the newly launched to the deeply rooted.
Regional Spotlights
Arizona’s economic and cultural landscape is rich and varied. This year’s awards will include spotlight honorees from:
- Northern Arizona
- Southern Arizona
- Central Arizona
- Eastern Arizona
- Western Arizona
These regional recognitions ensure the award reflects the true face of Arizona — not just its metropolitan centers, but the communities and builders often overlooked.
How We Evaluate Nominations
Our editorial team reviews each nomination with the same storytelling lens we bring to every feature:
- Growth & Momentum
Proven progress, even in small steps. - Innovation
Original solutions to real problems. - Community Contribution
How the business makes Arizona stronger. - Leadership & Vision
Courage, clarity, and integrity. - Economic Impact
Jobs created, stability strengthened, opportunities formed.
These criteria honor not just what a business does, but what it means to the community it serves.
The 2026 Impact Issue
Winners will be featured in the March/April 2026 edition of Arizona Ascent Magazine, our annual statewide Impact Issue.
This issue documents:
- The entrepreneurial spirit shaping our state
- Regional trends
- Founder stories
- Data visualizations on small business growth
- The award-winning businesses and their journeys
It will be the most anticipated business issue of the year.
How to Nominate
Nominations are open statewide through January 23, 2026.
Anyone can nominate — community members, customers, peers, employees, or founders themselves.
Nominate here: https://arizonaascent.com/business-impact-award
