Eighteen entrepreneurs and businesses across the Pikes Peak region were recognized and six honored as winners of the 2026 Small Business Awards on Monday evening in a kickoff celebration and awards presentation that marked the official start to Small Business Week. Held at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, the 2026 Small Business Awards ceremony spotlighted outstanding businesspeople and businesses in six categories. Officials received nearly 100 nominations and 68 applications for this year’s Small Business Awards. “This year’s response from the community has been incredible,” Jonathan Liebert, chief executive officer of the Better Business Bureau of Southern Colorado, said in an April 22 news release. “To receive nearly 100 nominations and 68 applications is a powerful reminder of how many exceptional small businesses and leaders are making an impact across our region.…