Announcing the 2026 AAAB Business of the Year Award (BOYA)
The AAAB’s 2026 Business of the Year Award (BOYA) recognizes an outstanding Arkansas-based business that demonstrates exceptional success while celebrating and weaving Asian heritage into the economic and cultural fabric of our state.
Five finalists will be recognized at our annual “East Meets West” (EMW) of Arkansas Lunar New Year luncheon on February 21, 2026 in Hot Springs, Arkansas (stay tuned for more event details). The winner, as well as first and second runner-ups, will also receive cash prizes.
Nominations will remain open until 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Submit your nominations here.
Eligibility Criteria
- Businesses can nominate themselves or be nominated by another person.
- Business must operate and be registered in Arkansas, as well as be in good standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
All eligible businesses–regardless of AAAB membership or not–are invited to submit nominations. However, please note that only active AAAB members at the Business or Business+ levels will be eligible for consideration as a finalist. Be sure to check out our Membership page for more information on how to join!
Judging Criteria
Judging for the BOYA will be based on two equally-weighted pillars:
1. Link to Asian Heritage: 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 a founder's or the community's Asian heritage.
2. Business Excellence: A demonstrated track record of excellence across the following areas:
- Business Growth & Innovation
- Customer Satisfaction
- Employee Relations
- Sustainability
- Corporate/Community Social Responsibility
Q&A
Questions about the Business of the Year Award (BOYA)? Please see below for frequently asked questions or contact Teresa@arkasianbiz.com.
1. My business doesn’t have an AAAB membership/I’m not sure if the business I’m nominating has an AAAB membership. Can it still be considered as a finalist in the competition?
All businesses who meet the eligibility criteria above can be nominated for the Business of the year Award, regardless of AAAB membership or not. However, only businesses with AAAB membership at the Business or Business + levels will be eligible for consideration as finalists. If you are nominating your business and interested in joining the AAAB as a member, be sure to check out our Membership page for more information!
Not sure if the business you’re nominating is an AAAB member? No worries! As the AAAB reviews nominations, we will confirm membership status and reach out to businesses if they want to join.
2. How is the Business of the Year Award different from the Asian-Owned Business Award?
The Business of the Year Award (BOYA) builds on the success of its first iteration, the Arkansas Asian-Owned Business Award (AOBA), which launched in 2024 as the first of its kind.
The AAAB made the decision to expand the eligibility of the award, shifting focus away from Asian ownership to a business’s connection to Asia (whether through a founder’s heritage, a certain business model, or the goods and services offered). This change allows the AAAB to celebrate a wider range of businesses that contribute to our mission.
3. Is the Business of the Year Award only open to certain types of businesses or industries?
No–the AAAB welcomes nominations for all businesses, regardless of size and industry. We recognize and celebrate the diverse range of entrepreneurs in Arkansas!
4. Can only brick-and-mortar businesses be nominated for the competition?
No–the competition is not limited to businesses operating in a physical location. We welcome nominations for online businesses as well!
5. What kind of information is needed for the areas for judging?
The Business of the Year Award will recognize businesses who have demonstrated a significant and authentic connection to Asian heritage, as well as excellence across a broad range of areas: business innovation and growth, customer satisfaction, employee relations, sustainability, and corporate/community social responsibility. We encourage businesses to illustrate their achievements with a mix of quantitative and qualitative examples. Please provide as many examples as you can–this will help the judging committee better understand your accomplishments!
In the nomination form, we’ve included a few helpful examples for what you can highlight in each category. These are just examples, though, and might not be directly applicable to all businesses.
6. Can I edit responses after my nomination has been submitted?
Yes, nominations can be edited/updated even after they have been submitted. However, please note that any edits must be completed by 11:59 p.m. (CT) on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
About the 2025 Arkansas Asian-Owned Business Award (AOBA)
On February 6, 2025, the AAAB announced Big Box Karaoke of Fayetteville and Welspun Tubular LLC of Little Rock as joint winners of the first-ever Arkansas Asian-Owned Business Award (AOBA) at the annual "East Meets West" of Arkansas Lunar New Year Luncheon. Verma and Associates of Hiwasse was also recognized as the AOBA runner-up.
Launched in 2024, the AOBA was created to showcase the contributions of Asian-owned businesses in driving the state’s economic growth, employment, and socio-economic diversity. The award is given to those businesses that best exemplify the “AOBA" spirits: business innovation and growth, customer satisfaction, community impact, employee relations, and practices honoring their Asian roots and heritages.
Finalists for the AOBA also included ARt deCentrale of Springdale, FR8relay of Bentonville, The Goat House of Fort Smith, and Tokyo House of Rogers.
