Leesburg, VA (March 26, 2026) – The nomination deadline for the 2026 Leesburg Small Business Awards, has been extended to Wednesday, March 4. 

This year’s event will feature seven categories: 

Community Ambassador Award - Recognizes a business or organization that invests its time, talent, and resources to promote a positive image of Leesburg. Honorees go beyond day-to-day operations to strengthen the community, support business growth, and elevate Leesburg as a premier place to live and visit. Open to for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Innovations Award - Honors a for-profit business that demonstrates forward-thinking through an innovative venture, unique product development, or cutting-edge business practice.

New Business Award - Recognizes a for-profit business that was newly permitted and licensed in 2023 or 2024 and established operations within the Town of Leesburg. This award celebrates entrepreneurs and business owners who bring fresh energy, innovation, and investment to the community while contributing to Leesburg’s distinctive business culture.

Expanding Business Award - Recognizes a for-profit business that significantly expanded its operations or investment in Leesburg in 2024 or 2025. Expansion may include physical growth, increased workforce, new services or product lines, or substantial capital investment. This award honors businesses that demonstrate continued confidence in Leesburg and play an active role in shaping the Town’s future growth.

Arts and Culture Award - celebrates a business, organization, or individual that contributes to or actively supports the arts within the Town of Leesburg. This award may be given to either a for-profit or non-profit business.

Non-Profit/Philanthropic Award - Honors a registered charitable organization that serves or benefits Leesburg residents and/or businesses and demonstrates, through direct services that enhance quality of life, and shows exceptional commitment to the community.  

The George C. Marshall Award - Presented to an individual whose leadership, vision, and dedication to community service reflects the spirit of General George C. Marshall. Nominees need not reside in Leesburg but must be connected to a Leesburg business or organization.

People’s Choice Award - The public will be invited to cast their vote online and choose which of the nominees is their favorite. People’s choice award voting will open in late February. 

Eligible nominees must have a primary physical location within the Town’s corporate limits unless otherwise noted. Nonprofit or philanthropic nominees must serve the Leesburg community but are not required to be headquartered within the Town.

Business nominees must possess a valid Town of Leesburg business license or be a registered nonprofit organization with the Town, be in compliance with all Town regulations, and have been in operation for at least one year as of December 31, 2025.

The nomination form, including award criteria and helpful hints on submitting competitive nominations, can be found online. Please note, the Town reserves the right to reassign nominees to a more appropriate category, if necessary.

For more information, contact Melanie Scoggins, assistant director of Economic Development, at 571-271-1206 or mscoggins@leesburgva.gov.

Media Contact:
Leah Kosin
Assistant Public Information Officer
pio@leesburgva.gov
703-771-2781