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.
Community Excellence In Ed Award
Any organization, department, or chamber that shows significant support for economic development, improved communication with business community, builds trust, creating an environment for business growth and retention, job growth and access to resources. An entity that also cooperates with other economic development institutions.
Woman Owned Small Business Of The Year
Woman owned business with a minimum of three years in business. Must be 51% woman owned. Demonstrate business success and growth. Show creativity, leadership, character, and determination. SBA assistance preferred but not required.
Family-Owned Business Of The Year
Family owned and operated business by a family or passed on to the next generation. Nominees must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating the small business with a minimum of 5 year-track record.
Micro-Entrepreneur Of The Year
Has a growing business with less than nine employees. Received assistance from the SBA network of resources and lenders. Has been in business for more than one year.
Veteran Small Business Champion Of The Year
Nominee is an individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, 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.
Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
A business owner under 40 years old, running their own business, shows creativity, leadership, character, and determination. Business must be profitable, show potential for growth. Young entrepreneur must be in business for at least three years.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Orange County / Inland Empire District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.