The Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses (AAAB) announces a call for nominations for the 2026 Arkansas Association of Asian Businesses Business of the Year Award The award recognizes an Arkansas-based business that demonstrates exceptional success, while celebrating and weaving Asian heritage into the economic and cultural fabric of the state.

According to AAAB Executive Director Jayesh Ramnani, eligibility requirements for the award have been expanded for this year. “Instead of requiring that a business be 50-percent Asian-owned, we have decided to open nominations to any business based in Arkansas that has a connection to Asia–whether that’s through a founder’s own heritage, a certain business model, or the goods and services they’re offering,” he said. “This evolution allows us to celebrate a wider range of businesses that contribute to our mission, making the AAAB Business of the Year Award a more powerful symbol of our commitment to bridge Arkansas and Asia economically.”

The 2026 AAAB Business of the Year nominations are open to all Arkansas-based businesses regardless of the size and type of industry, and whether or not they have a physical presence (such as an online-based business). Businesses are encouraged to self-nominate.

Entries will be judged on the following criteria: 

Link to Asian Heritage:

Demonstrating a significant and authentic connection to Asian heritage through one or more of the following: Products or Services – offering goods, cuisine, or services rooted in Asian traditions or culture; Business Model – a model built on connecting Arkansas and Asian markets (e.g., import/export, technology, services); Company Story – a brand and mission deeply intertwined with the founder’s or the community’s Asian heritage.

Business Excellence:

A demonstrated track record of excellence across the following areas: business growth and innovation, customer satisfaction, employee relations, and sustainability.

Five finalists will be selected with the winner. All will be announced at the AAAB’s eighth annual “East Meets West” of Arkansas Lunar New Year luncheon Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Hot Springs (location TBA). Cash prizes will be awarded.

Registration & Deadline:

For more information and to submit nominations, please click here. The deadline to submit is January 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Founded in 2017, the AAAB is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization that strives to connect Arkansas and Asia in business. The AAAB also has a 501(c)(3) charitable arm, the Natural State Business Foundation (NSBF).

The AAAB aims to foster an inclusive business community where partnerships between Asian and Arkansas entrepreneurs and professionals are integral to the state’s growth. AAAB achieves this by providing the network, knowledge, and support that connect local and global opportunities, ensuring that prosperity and understanding flow both ways between Arkansas and Asia. As a membership-based organization, AAAB has different offerings for students, individuals, small enterprises, and large corporations. AAAB also hosts year-round events such as the annual “East Meets West” of Arkansas Lunar New Year luncheon and the online quarterly “Arkansas-Asia Briefing.”

For more information about the AAAB, visit arkasianbiz.com.

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