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.
Contractor of the Year
Any small business contractor may be nominated. Candidates should have a presence in their community and be successful in business for at least three years. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success. Contribution to the community.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Any individual who serves as majority owner and operator for a small business with a three-year track record, and who will not have reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2024. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Family-owned Small 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. Has been in business for at least three years. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Minority Small Business 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 that has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners. Has been in business for at least three years. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Non-profit of the Year
Any active non-profit may be nominated. Mission based non-profit has exhibited an ongoing commitment to supporting the growth and expansion of small businesses and be active in their community. Has been organized for at least three years. Has examples of successes supporting small businesses in the Sacramento District. Is following State regulations for non-profit organizations.
Start-up of the Year
Any individual(s) who founded, owns, and operates a business with 5 or fewer employees (including the owners). Partners who jointly own and operate the business may be nominated as a “team”, so long as the number of individuals in the team does not exceed four. Small business needs to have received assistance through SBA loan programs or as a client of one of our SBA technical service providers and have at least a three-year track record. Growth in net worth, sales, and number of employees over the period the business has been open. Contributions to the community. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Veteran-owned Small Business of the Year
Any individual(s) who owns at least 51% and operates a small business and is a veteran of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated. Has been in business for at least three years. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Woman-owned Small Business of the Year
Any woman who owns at least 51% and operates a small business may be nominated. The candidate needs to have a developing and growing business, three-year evidence of success in sales and profits, increased jobs, innovative product, demonstrated potential. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Sacramento District level only. Awardees selected for the Sacramento District for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.