Small businesses often operate with limited staffing, budgets, and resources, yet they face the same complex workforce challenges as larger enterprises. The 2026 HR in Small Business Awards, announced by HR.com, shine a spotlight on the individuals and solutions that are making a tangible difference in this space. By celebrating excellence in human capital management, the awards underscore the critical role of innovative HR practices in helping small businesses attract and retain talent, build effective strategies, and navigate adversity.
The awards recognize three distinct categories: Best HR Solution for Small Business, Small Business HR Leader of the Year, and an Honorable Mention for the latter. Career Candor took top honors as Best HR Solution for Small Business for its human-centered outplacement services. The company provides coaching, AI tools, benefits guidance, and community resources to help employees navigate layoffs, supporting both workforce resilience and employer care. Founder and CEO Brittany Wilson, who started the company after experiencing a layoff without support, emphasized that the recognition demonstrates how Career Candor turns moments of tension, fear, and isolation into opportunities for positive change. For small businesses, where layoffs can be especially destabilizing, such a solution offers a way to handle difficult transitions with dignity and maintain employer brand.
Haleigh Myers, HR Director at Stateside Brands, was named Small Business HR Leader of the Year. When she joined three years ago, Stateside Brands had about 70 employees and no HR department. Myers built the function from the ground up, creating scalable, compliant systems across recruiting, compensation, benefits, policies, professional development, and employee relations. Her work ensured that growth remained legally sound and sustainable, while also strengthening people practices. Myers noted that winning the award validates building something from scratch the right way. Her story illustrates how a single HR leader can transform a small business by establishing infrastructure that supports both employees and business objectives.
Ashley Duque, VP of Human Resources at Matrix Human Resources, received an Honorable Mention. Duque has built a modern, compliant, people-centered HR function that strengthens culture, develops talent, supports leaders, and manages risk. She transformed HR from a reactive function into strategic infrastructure that drives accountability, efficiency, and organizational success. Duque's recognition highlights the multifaceted role of HR in small businesses, where professionals often wear many hats to create impactful people strategies.
The implications of these awards extend beyond the winners. They signal that small businesses increasingly need robust HR solutions and leaders who can operate strategically with limited resources. As Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com, noted, small businesses face unique workforce challenges, and these awards recognize the people and solutions helping them build stronger teams, support employees, and achieve business success. For HR professionals and solution providers, the awards set a benchmark for innovation and resilience. For small business owners, they offer a roadmap to addressing workforce challenges through targeted investments in HR. The full list of HR.com awards is available through the organization's HR.com Newsroom.
