Small Business Awards

Small Business Awards

An annual spotlight of the individuals and businesses who, through their independent entrepreneurial spirit, play a vital role in building the community and the economy. To be nominated is a reward in itself and a nomination serves as a great tribute to a company’s leadership and employees.

Event Details                   Previous Recipients

You interact with hundreds of businesses each week. Now, think of those that are doing exceptional work, whose contributions to our community are elevating our region and who make your life just a little bit better. Got them in mind? Nominate them for the Small Business Awards Luncheon!

Nomination deadline is April 3, 2023.

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: The New Business of the Year Award is to recognize a new business operating for more than one year and less than three years that has gained an expanding positive reputation. Nominees must be a current Chamber member and have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees. Judging for this award will be based on potential community impact, use of innovation and technology as well as business growth.

SMALL BUSINESS YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR: Chamber member, business owner who has owned their business for more than one year, under the age of 40 who has taken risks in business – started a new venture; expanded into a new area; taken on a difficult project; someone whose thinking is “outside the box”; an astute businessperson with a vision for the future.

THE COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AWARD: is to recognize a local Chamber member business with fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees, for its outstanding community service contributions such as special programs, partnerships, in-kind support of goods and services, employee volunteerism or other activities that have resulted in a positive impact on our community and citizens. Judges will consider all nominees for their impact, creativity, commitment and employee participation.

FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: This award honors a family-owned and operated business with less than 25 full-time employees. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business for at least 10 years. They must demonstrate increased employment opportunities for family members and non-family members.