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.
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.
- 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.
