To qualify for a Small Business Award, the business must have no more than 50 employees.
- 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.
- Minority-Owned Business Award – Recognizes a minority-owned small business that has demonstrated notable success and
growth in its industry while also contributing meaningfully to the empowerment of
underrepresented communities. This award celebrates businesses that promote cultural
diversity, foster inclusion, and make a lasting impact within their communities.
- 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 – This is the highest honor in the Small Business Awards category, recognizing a small
business that has achieved outstanding performance, resilience, and impact. Honorees
exhibit a powerful combination of sustained growth, innovative practices, and a deep
commitment to their customers, employees, and community. This award celebrates a business
that not only thrives in a competitive market, but sets the standard for excellence
in small business leadership.
To qualify for a Family-Owned Business Award, the business should have at least two
family members actively participating in company management, with the family having
a controlling interest.
- 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.
- 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 – This is the highest honor in the Family-Owned Business Awards category, awarded to
a family-owned business that exemplifies multi-generational excellence, integrity,
and leadership in its industry and community. This business stands out for its legacy
of impact, commitment to shared values, and ability to navigate challenges while maintaining
strong family cohesion. It is a model of how family businesses can drive innovation,
stewardship, and meaningful change over time.
- Business Advisor of the Year Award – Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service in advising or supporting
family-owned or small businesses. This advisor has provided valuable insights, resources,
and strategic guidance that contribute to the growth and sustainability of the businesses
they serve. Nominees may come from a range of professional sectors, including but
not limited to: accounting, legal, insurance, banking/trust, wealth and financial
advising, business brokerage, mergers and acquisitions, and more.
