BALTIMORE—The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Baltimore District Office is accepting nominations for the successful small business person who might become Maryland’s 2018 “Small Business Person of the Year” and compete for the national title during National Small Business Week, April 29-May 5, 2018. Nominees are also sought for Small Business Exporter of the Year and a variety of local award categories. The submission deadline is Tuesday, January 9, 2018.
“This is an excellent opportunity to promote your own business, a client or even an employee. It’s your chance to be recognized for all of your hard work and entrepreneurial spirit,” remarked SBA Baltimore District Director Steve Umberger.
Small Business Person of the Year nominees are judged on a variety of criteria, including staying power, growth in employment and sales, innovation of product or service and evidence of contributions to the community.
Local award categories include: Financial Services Champion, Home-Based Small Business, Minority-Owned Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, Family-Owned Small Business, Entrepreneurial Success, Small Business Exporter, Young Entrepreneur, Rising Star Student Entrepreneur and three industry awards, the Accountant Champion, Insurance Advocate and Attorney Advocate.
Nominations can be made by an individual or an organization. The Maryland program accepts nominations for individuals or businesses operating within the City of Baltimore and all Maryland counties except Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, which are accepted through SBA’s Washington Metro Area District Office. Winners will be announced in late March 2018 and will be honored at the 34th Annual MD Small Business Week Awards Luncheon in Woodlawn, Md. on Thursday, June 7, 2018.
To obtain nomination criteria and submission guidelines, visit us on the web or contact Rachel Howard at (410) 244-3337 or by email.