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.
Young Entrepreneur 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.
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.
Nano-Business of the Year
This award recognizes up and coming start-ups that display excellent potential for future growth. A business with five or less employees; operating for at least one year that is growing rapidly and poised for even more significant growth in the future.
Small Business Champion
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities. Nominees may or may not be small business owners.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Portland District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.