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.
Entrepreneurial Success Award
Individuals must own and operate businesses that have demonstrated substantial growth since the founding of the business. Nominee should demonstrate a substantiated history as an established business; including but not limited to expansion, exporting, addition of territories, or employee growth.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Any individual(s), under the age of 30 by June 30, 2023, who owns at least 51% and operates a small business may be nominated.
Family-Owned Business of the Year
Any small business that is family-owned and operated, with a 15-year track record that has been passed on from at least one generation to another.
Encore Entrepreneur of the Year
Any small business that was started after the owner reached the age of fifty and/or was created as a second career.
Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year
A veteran small business owner who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. Any individual(s) l who owns at least 51% and operates a small business and is a veteran of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated.
Home-Based Business of the Year
Any small business that is operated out of the business owner’s home.
Manufacturer of the Year
Any small business manufacturer may be nominated. Nominee will be judged on growth in the past three years including growth in number of employees, substantiated history as an established business, and increase in sales, net profit, and net worth.
Small Business Champion of the Year
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of business ownership may be nominated or a 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. Award is for efforts outside of regular business duties to advance small business interests within the community, state and/or nation.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Oklahoma District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.