Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards

You are invited to join us at the Bakery District in Fort Smith for our inaugural UAFS Center for Economic Development – Excellence Awards.

This event is dedicated to honoring the achievements of regional family-owned and small businesses. Additionally, we celebrate a significant milestone as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center, which has been instrumental in offering education and support to family businesses throughout the region.

Date: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024

Time: 6-8 p.m.

Location: The Bakery District in Fort Smith

Event is SOLD OUT

Nomination Information

Nominations will be accepted until early September, so nominate an individual, family-owned business, or small business (including your own) by submitting the online nomination form for 2024. Note that nominees do not need to be current members of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center or working with the Arkansas Small Business Technology and Development Center.

All award categories are listed below, along with a link to the online nomination form (closed).

The nomination deadline to be considered for a 2024 award is Wednesday, Sept. 12.

FAQs

Business / Business Casual

The business must be located in Sebastian, Crawford, Franklin, Logan, Scott, or Polk counties in Arkansas or Le Flore or Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma.
Nominations will be accepted until Sept. 12, 2024.
Businesses and individuals CAN nominate themselves and are encouraged to do so.
Nominees DO NOT need to be current members of the UAFS Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center or Small Business Technology and Development Center.
To qualify for a small business award, the business must have no more than 50 employees.
To qualify for a family-owned business award, the business should have at least two family members actively participating in company management, and the family must have a controlling interest in the business.
To qualify for the “Advisor of the Year Award,” the company should be primarily engaged in providing resources to either family or small businesses.
There will be one winner per award, but the awards committee may give out two awards in cases where two companies or individuals are difficult to make a decision.
One nomination per person/per award but multiple people within an organization can nominate.

For questions about the event, contact either Justin Smith at justin.smith@uafs.edu or Chelsea Cowan at chelsea.cowan@uafs.edu.

Keynote Speaker

Willie Robertson

We're thrilled to announce that Willie Robertson, CEO of Duck Commander and Buck Commander and star of Duck Dynasty, will be gracing us as the keynote speaker at the inaugural CED Excellence Awards Oct. 24!

Willie will illuminate our event with his remarkable Robertson family business journey, illustrating how they transformed a modest enterprise into the thriving, multi-million dollar empire it stands as today. Known for his genuine Southern charisma and iconic beard, Willie captivates audiences with his storytelling prowess, offering insights into working alongside family, overcoming obstacles, and the guiding principles that fuel the growth of his family's business.

Click here for Biography

Award Categories

Nominations are available until Sept. 12, 2024. Click on the categories below to view the description of each award.

To qualify for a Small Business Award, the business must have no more than 50 employees.

Black-Owned Business Award – Honors a small business that has achieved success in their respective industry while also making significant contributions to the advancement and prosperity of the African-American community.
Women-Owned Business Award – Recognizes a small business that has flourished and expanded under female leadership, demonstrating both success and a commitment to empowering women in the business world.
Hispanic Business Award – Celebrates a small business that has achieved success and growth within the Hispanic community while also playing a pivotal role in promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.
Technology and Innovation Business Award – Highlights a small business that has demonstrated innovation in their products, services, or processes coupled with substantial growth and scalability in their operations.
Early Success and Growth Award – Acknowledges a small business that has experienced rapid success and growth within a short timeframe, achieving milestones such as acquiring customers, generating revenue, or securing funding.
Small Business of the Year Award – Recognizes a small business that has exhibited remarkable growth and sustainability despite limited resources, showcasing innovation and adaptability in navigating competitive markets.

Nominations Date Has Passed

To qualify for a family-owned business award, the business should have at least two family members actively participating in company management, and the family must have a controlling interest in their business.

Legacy Champion Award – Honors an individual whose leadership within a family business exemplifies the highest standards of excellence, contributing significantly to both the business and the broader community. This award celebrates those who champion the preservation and enhancement of family legacies, irrespective of their familial ties to the enterprise.
Emerging Luminary Award – Acknowledges an individual who is a rising leader or emerging talent within a family business and who demonstrates exceptional promise and impact within the company as well as the local community.
Succession Planning Award – Commends a family business that, in its recent history, has crafted and executed a succession plan, ensuring a seamless transition of leadership and securing the future of the enterprise.
Family Unity Award – Recognizes a family-owned business characterized by strong familial bonds, collaborative spirit, and a shared vision among its members. This award highlights businesses where trust, unity, and genuine personal connections are cultivated and nurtured amongst family members.
Business Renewal Award – Commends a family business for its proactive efforts in ensuring the sustained growth, longevity, and prudent stewardship of assets with a keen focus on securing the interests of future generations.
Family Business of the Year Award – Recognizes a family-owned business that has demonstrated remarkable contributions to either its industry or the local community, leaving a lasting and positive imprint through its endeavors.

Nominations Date Has Passed

Business Advisor of the Year Award – Recognizes a business for their work in advising or providing resources to either family-owned or small businesses in the community. Advisor firms span various sectors, including but not limited to Accounting, Legal, Insurance, Banking/Trust, Wealth/Financial Advising, Business Brokerage, Mergers and Acquisitions, and more.

Nominations Date Has Passed

UAFS Center for Economic DevelopmentCED Excellence Awards