Each year, the Small Business Administration recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs and those who champion their cause with the prestigious Small Business Awards.
This is an excellent opportunity to promote your own business, a client or even an employee. It’s your chance to be recognized for all of your hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. Both the nominator and nominee receive recognition through this awards program. Who can’t use some free publicity these days?
Small Business Person of the Year nominees will be judged on a variety of criteria, including staying power, growth in employment and sales, innovation of product or service and evidence of contributions to the community.
Small Business Champion awards are presented to persons who have used their professional or personal talents to further the public’s understanding and awareness of small business. Candidates must have taken an active role in creating opportunities to promote the interests of small business.
Champion award categories include: Financial Services, Home-Based Business, Minority, Veteran and Women. Special award categories include the Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business award, Entrepreneurial Success, Small Business Exporter, Young Entrepreneur (must be younger than 30 years old on 6/1/2012).
Nominations can be made by an individual or an organization. The Washington Metro Area office accepts nominations for individuals or businesses operating within the District of Columbia, Prince George’s and Montgomery counties in Maryland, and the Cities of Fairfax and Alexandria and the Counties of Loudoun, Fairfax, and Arlington in Virginia. All nominations must be received by the SBA Washington Metro Area District Office no later than Wednesday, November 30, 2011.
Rules, nomination instructions, and required forms are available by clicking on the links that follow:
