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.
Encore Entrepreneur
An individual who started their business after age 50
Family-Owned Small Business
Business with a 15 year track record that has been handed from one generation to another.
Minority-Owned Small Business
Business 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more minorities.
Minority Small Business Champion
An individual committed to the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Veteran-Owned Small Business
Business 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more Veterans, Active-Duty Service members, Reservists, National Guard Members, or their spouses.
Veteran Small Business Champion
An individual committed to the advancement of small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated. Champion nominees may or may not be veterans.
Women in Business Champion
An individual committed to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Women-Owned Small Business
Business 51% or more owned and controlled by one or more women
Young Entrepreneur
An individual who is the majority owner and operator of a business and will not have turned age 30 by June 1, 2024.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Minnesota District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.