By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – If you know a small business that deserves recognition you can nominate it for an award.

The U. S. Small Business Administration, or SBA, is accepting small business award nominations for 2013. It will be the 50th year the trophies will be handed out.

Jennifer Pilcher, with the SBA’s Philadelphia district office. (Credit: John McDevitt)

“The SBA is a federal agency so there are not any members anyone can nominate,” says Jennifer Pilcher, who is with the SBA Philadelphia District office. “So the national level awards are Small Business Person of the Year, 8(a) Graduate of the Year, Small Business Development Center, Excellence and Innovation Award and Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award.”

The district of Philadelphia award categories include family, minority, veteran, and women-owned small businesses of the year.

The National Nomination Deadline is January 3rd. The Eastern Pennsylvania Nomination Deadline is February 15th.

For information on the SBA’s programs and services call the Philadelphia District Office at 610-382-3062 or visit their website.