To be nominated and receive one of the following local awards, the small business nominee must fit within the category of the award, demonstrate success in business and complete and submit the required nomination package information. Incomplete packages will not be accepted.
After you read through the categories below, you can read the general guidelines and submit your nomination.
Minority Small Business Champion or Business of the Year
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners may be nominated or a minority-owned small business owner has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Veteran Small Business Champion or Business of the Year
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated or a veteran small business owner who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. Champion nominees may or may not be veterans.
Women in Business Champion or Business of the Year
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated or a women-owned small business owner who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Rural Business Award
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of Rural Business Ownership may be nominated, or a rural owned business owner who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. Champion nominees may or not be small business owners. The award will be judged and presented jointly with the Delaware US Department of Agriculture office.
Frank Masley Champion Award
The Delaware individual, entity, or small business owner that best exhibits the characteristics of Frank Masley; entrepreneur, Olympian, State and National business award winner. Criteria includes technical expertise, integrity, support of community needs (Frank organized park clean ups, community events), supportive to employees’ needs - not just a paycheck and guaranteed hours,
leadership in the industry (ran a committee for Government for Glove manufacturers). Overall, creates positive change for the community. The awardee is selected by the SBA Delaware District Office staff from internal nominations.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Delaware District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National Competition.