MIAMI — The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking nominations for South Florida's 2013 Small Business Person of the Year and nominations in seven other award categories recognizing excellence in small business and small business advocacy.

The deadline to submit a nomination to the South Florida District Office is Jan. 3, 2013. The 2013 award nomination guidelines can be found online at: sba.gov/content/2013-south-florida-district-office-small-business-week-awards-nominations-guidelines.

Nominations can be made by any individual or organization dedicated to the support of the small business community including trade and professional associations and business organizations.

“The South Florida Districts awards are part of the National Small Business Week (SBW) celebration,” said South Florida District Director Francisco Marrero. “There are many outstanding entrepreneurs and small business advocates within our 24-county district.

This annual awards program is our way of recognizing that excellence.” The winner of the South Florida Business Person of the Year winner will go on to compete at the state and national levels.

The national winner and competitors will be honored during SBW in Washington, D.C.  South Florida District winners will compete against the winners from SBA’s North Florida District for state honors.

The South Florida District will judge nominations in the following award categories: Small Business Person of the Year; Small Business Exporter of the Year; Veteran Business Owner of the Year; Minority Business Owner of the Year; Woman Business Owner of the Year; Small Business Advocate of the Year; Financial Services Advocate of the Year; and Small Business Media Advocate of the Year.

For more information call SBA South Florida District Public Affairs at 305-536-5521 ext. 104.