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.
Financial Services Advocate of the Year
The award will be presented to an individual who assists small businesses through advocacy and other efforts to increase the usefulness and availability of financial literacy or financial services for small businesses, as well as those who assist entrepreneurs in obtaining small business financing in Kentucky.
Home-Based Business of the Year
The nominee must be a legal resident of the United States or its territories who is a majority owner (51% or more) and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business in Kentucky with a minimum three (3) year track record.
Minority Small Business of the Year
A minority-owned and operated business. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business. The owner must be in business a minimum of three years.
Rural Small Business of the Year
The nominee must be a legal resident of the United States or its territories who is a majority owner (51% or more) and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business in Kentucky with a minimum three (3) year track record. The business must be located in a rural community, defined by the U.S. Census Bureau as a city, town, or a community in a non-urban area with a population under 50,000 people.
Small Business Advocate of the Year
An individual who or organization that assists entrepreneurs through advocacy and other efforts that raise the profile, effectiveness, health, vitality, growth, and/or expansion of small businesses in Kentucky.
Small Business Media of the Year
The award will recognize an outstanding journalist from television, radio, web, electronic or print media whose work supports the growth and expansion of small businesses in Kentucky.
Women Small Business of the Year
The award honors a woman-owned and operated business. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business. The owner must be in business a minimum of three years.
Veteran Small Business of the Year
A veteran-owned and operated business. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business. The owner must be in business a minimum of three years.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Any young entrepreneur who is a legal resident of the United States or its territories and a majority owner (51% or more) and operator or bears principal responsibility for operating a small business with a minimum three (3) year track record, and who has reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2023.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Kentucky District level only. Awards for Small Business - Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.