DETROIT –   As the country honors the veterans who serve and protect our freedoms and safety, the SBA Michigan District Office announces that it will honor a small business owned by a member of the military community, including Veterans, Service-Disabled Veterans, Active-Duty Service Members, Reservists and National Guard members.  Nominations for the 2013 Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year are being accepted now. 

The process is simple.  Nominators submit a one-page nomination letter, in any format, to the SBA District Office by November 30, 2012.  Nominations should include the firm’s number of employees, average annual sales for the past three years, and the North American Industrial Classification code.  Those who advance to the final selection stage will be asked to submit a more comprehensive nomination packet.

“This particular award allows SBA to showcase Michigan’s veteran small businesses and honor a deserving veteran,” said Gerald Moore, Michigan District Director. “Veterans have historically been very successful in operating their own business and this is an opportunity to highlight their special skills during our Small Business Week celebration.” 

Nominees for Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year will be evaluated on the evidence of success as measured by sales and profits, increased employment opportunities for members of the military community, demonstrated potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth, and voluntary efforts to strengthen veteran owned businesses within the community.   

Award winners will be honored at the 9th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards event to be held on May 2, 2013 in Lansing.  Last year over 1,000 attended the awards celebration. 

More information is available from the Michigan District Office at (313) 226-6075, x274 or Michigan@sba.gov. For the SBA 2013 Nomination Awards Guideline visit our website at www.sba.gov/mi.