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 or Champion 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 or Champion 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 Small Business or Champion 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.
Financial Services Champion of the Year
An individual who assists small businesses through advocacy efforts to increase the usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services for small businesses may be nominated. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Rural Business or Champion of the Year
An individual or an organization that has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of rural business ownership may be nominated. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
An individual who serves as the 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 thirty by June 1, 2024.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Mississippi District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.