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Our office presents national and district level awards. National-level awards, including Small Business Person of the Year, go on to compete for additional recognition and some winners are invited to attend ceremonies in Washington, D.C. The district level winners are honored locally. Read on for general guidelines for all available District Office awards.
General guidelines
Award eligibility
Who is eligible to be nominated for this award?
Nominees for this award must meet both of the following eligibility requirements:
Any legal resident of the United States or its Territories who owns and operates or who bears principal responsibility for operating a small business may be nominated. Partners who jointly own and operate a small business may be nominated as a “team,” so long as the number of individuals in the team nomination does not exceed four (4).
Who is NOT eligible to be nominated for this award?
- Individuals or teams who own or operate a business defined as “other than small” (i.e., large businesses) for its primary industry under the applicable SBA size standards or
- Individuals or firms who are currently suspended or debarred by the Federal government.
Who may submit nominations for this award?
- Individuals or organizations dedicated to the support of the small business community in the United States such as trade and professional associations and business organizations, may submit nominations.
- Individuals may self-nominate.
How to apply
What information must the nomination package contain?
Nominations must contain the information below. Incomplete nomination packages will not be considered.
- A completed SBA Form 3300, Award Nominee Background form. For “team” nominations, a background form is required for each team member;
- A completed Authorization, Grant & Release of Materials form. For “team” nominations, a release form is required for each team member.
- A completed SBA Form 3315, District Office nomination form.
- An original 8 in. x 10 in. or 5 in. x 7 in. photo of the nominee or a digital photo – at least 300 dpi is required; photocopies are not acceptable. For “team” nominations, a photo of each nominee or group photo is acceptable; and
- Additional supporting documentation deemed significant by the nominator, including news clips, letters of recommendation, nomination letter (if not self-nominated), and other evidence of the appropriateness of the nomination. Supporting documentation may not exceed 10 pages. Videos will not be considered.
Where are the nominations to be sent?
All nominations must be submitted electronically to the upload link in the "About the District Office awards" section below. Nominations should be scanned and submitted as one full document. Photo should be submitted as a separate attachment.
When is the deadline for nominations?
Nominations must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. ET on December 5, 2024 (3:00 p.m. CT/2:00 p.m. MT/1:00 p.m. PT).
How are winners selected?
What are the evaluation/selection criteria?
In evaluating the nomination packages, the judges will look at the following criteria:
- Business’ staying power, growth in employees, increase in sales, improved financial position, and innovativeness of product or service offered;
- Contributions to community— evidence of the use of his/her personal time and resources to contribute to its community; and
- Additional criteria to be determined by the individual District Office.
What are the selection procedures?
The District Office Award will be selected by the appropriate District Director based on, but not restricted to, the recommendations of the panel of judges of federal or non-federal employees.
About the District Office awards
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.
Read on for local award nomination criteria and to submit your nomination.
Contractor of the Year
Any small business contractor may be nominated. Candidates should have a presence in their community and have been successful in business for at least three years. They should have evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. They should also develop and utilize innovative or creative business methods. They should demonstrate entrepreneurial potential for long-term success and contribute to the community.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Any individual who serves as majority owner and operator for a small business with a three-year track record, and who will not have reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2025. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
Any small business that is family-owned and operated, with a 15-year track record that has been passed on from at least one generation to another. Has been in business for at least three years. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Minority Small Business Champion of the Year
An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for minority business owners may be nominated, or a minority-owned small business owner who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning their own business. Champion nominees may or may not be small business owners. Has been in business for at least three years. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Non-Profit of the Year
Any active non-profit may be nominated. A mission-based non-profit that has exhibited an ongoing commitment to supporting the growth and expansion of small businesses and is active in its community. It has been organized for at least three years. It has examples of success supporting small businesses in the Sacramento District. It follows State regulations for non-profit organizations.
Start-Up of the Year
Any individual(s) who founded, owns, and operates a business with five or fewer employees (including the owners). Partners who jointly own and operate the business may be nominated as a “team”, so long as the number of individuals in the team does not exceed four. The small business needs to have received assistance through SBA loan programs or as a client of one of our SBA technical service providers and have at least a three-year track record. Growth in net worth, sales, and number of employees over the period the business has been open. Contributions to the community. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Any individual(s) who owns at least 51%, operates a small business, and is a veteran of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated. The nominee must have been in business for at least three years and have evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. The nominee must also have developed and utilized innovative or creative business methods and demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Any woman who owns at least 51% and operates a small business may be nominated. The candidate needs to have a developing and growing business, three-year evidence of success in sales and profits, increased jobs, innovative product, and demonstrated potential. Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, profits, and increased employment opportunities. Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods. Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
SBA will award the above-referenced awards to eligible small businesses at the Sacramento District level only. Awardees selected for the Sacramento District for Small Business Person of the Year and Exporter of the Year will be forwarded for National competition.
Need help?
If you have questions about our local awards, please contact Oksana Zubrytska or Carrie Ellinwood.