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.
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
This award honors a family-owned and operated business which has been passed on from one generation to the next. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a 15-year track record. Champion nominees may or may not be small business.
Green & Sustainable Champion of the Year
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of green and sustainable small business initiatives and improves commitment to the elimination of waste and demonstrated profitability with environmental considerations. Nominees may or may not be small business owners. Champion nominees may or may not be small business.
Entrepreneurial Success Award
Individuals must own and operate businesses initially launched as small businesses according to SBA size standards and subsequently developed into large businesses; and they must have received SBA assistance to help the businesses grow. Champion nominees may or may not be small business.
Young Entrepreneurial of the Year
To be considered a young entrepreneur, the individual must serve as a majority owner and operate or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with a three-year track record, and who will not have reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2023.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Louisiana District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.