The Maui Chamber of Commerce is reminding community members that nominations are open for the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards, with nominations due Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. Nominations are being accepted for businesses, nonprofits, or individuals who are making a difference in Maui County.
All nominees and award recipients will be recognized at the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, celebrating the exceptional businesses and individuals who contribute to Maui County’s economy and community.
The Mayor’s Small Business Awards recognize outstanding Maui County businesses with 100 or fewer employees that have been in business for at least two years. Nominees are evaluated on qualities including:
- Demonstrating business leadership in a changing economic environment
- Creating a quality work environment for employees
- Exhibiting the Aloha Spirit and exemplary customer service
- Developing partnerships with other sectors of the community
- Utilizing innovative practices or successfully adapting to sustain operations
- Demonstrating other exceptional qualities or traits
2026 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 age 40 as of Oct. 21, 2026
- Lifetime Achievement Award – an individual doing business in Maui County for more than 20 years, with up to 100 employees
Who Can Nominate?
Anyone can nominate a deserving business or individual, but self-nominations are not accepted. Consider nominating a business you frequent, a company that has supported the community, an innovative entrepreneur, a nonprofit making an impact, or a business leader who has demonstrated exceptional dedication and resilience.
Nominations must be submitted on or before Friday, September 18, 2026. Submissions must include the online nomination form, an explanation of how the nominee meets the award criteria, a letter of recommendation from someone other than the nominator, and a high-resolution digital photograph of the nominee.
An individual or business may only be nominated in one category per year. Businesses that have previously won in a particular category cannot be nominated again in that same category but may be considered for another category. County of Maui and Maui Chamber of Commerce employees are not eligible for nomination.
Nomination forms, previous award recipients, and an instructional video are available at MauiChamber.com.
“We encourage our community to take a few minutes to recognize a business or individual that deserves to be celebrated,” said Pamela Tumpap, President of the Maui Chamber of Commerce. “There are so many businesses and business 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 to nominate someone deserving. Nominations close September 18, and the 2026 Mayor’s Small Business Awards will take place October 21.
For more information about nominations, including the instructional video, visit MauiChamber.com or contact the Maui Chamber of Commerce at (808) 244-0081 or [email protected].