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.
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business must be family-owned for at least 15 years and ownership has transitioned to another generation.
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business at least 51% owned by a veteran of U.S. armed forces, which has been in business for three years.
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business at least 51% owned by a woman, which has been in business for three years.
Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business at least 51% owned by an ethnic minority, which has been in business for three years.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Criteria: Individual or partners who own a small business, are under 30, and have been in business for three years.
Microenterprise of the Year
Criteria: Individual or partners who own a microenterprise with five or less employees, received SBA assistance and have been in business for three years.
Award of Distinction
Criteria: Individual or partners who have distinguished themselves with their continued support of the SBA Vermont District Office.
Manufacturer of the Year
Criteria: Individual or partners who own a manufacturing business, which has been in business for three years.
Financial Services Champion of the Year
Criteria: Individual or partners who assist small businesses through advocacy to increase usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services.
SBA will make the above referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Vermont District level only. Awards for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.