Deadline: 16-Jul-21
Nominations are now open for Dream Big Awards.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the very best in American small business. The annual Dream Big Awards program honors the achievements of small businesses and highlights their contributions to America’s economic growth.
Celebrates the success of one small business and honors its contributions to the growth and diversity of the American economy. This award recognizes a small business that exemplifies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual initiative.
The winner will exemplify success and leadership in each of the following areas:
- Business Growth and Performance
- Business Strategies and Goals
- Community Engagement
- Customer and Employee Relation Practices
- Innovative Business Strategies and Practices
Award Prizes
Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award
The following prizes will be awarded to the winner of the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award:
- $25,000 cash prize
- One-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce Membership (valued at $250)
- One-minute promo video played during the award ceremony
- Web sticker to display on company website
Award winner will be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes that may be applicable.
Business Achievement Award Winners
The following prizes will be awarded to the winner of each Business Achievement Award category:
- One-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce Membership (valued at $250)
- Recognition and award presentation during the award ceremony
- Web sticker to display on company website
Award winner will be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes that may be applicable.
Categories
- Emerging Business Achievement Award
- Recognizes a start-up company that has attained outstanding business achievement with fewer than 25 employees and 1-3 years of full-time operation (not a buyout of an existing company).
- Green/Sustainable Business Achievement Award
- Recognizes a small business that has achieved excellence in the creation and implementation of sustainable business practices, including waste and recycling programs, water stewardship, efficiency in building environment, or any other significant effort designed to limit the way a business impacts the environment.
- Minority-Owned Business Achievement Award
- Presented by MetLife Recognizes a minority-owned, small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by minority-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51 percent owned or controlled by one or more U.S. resident of the following ethnic/minority groups: African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, and South-Asian Americans. The business must also have management and daily operations controlled by at least one (1) U.S. resident of a minority groups.
- LGBTQ-Owned Business Achievement Award
- Recognizes a LGBTQ-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by the LGBTQ-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51% owned, operated, managed and controlled by a person or persons who identify as part of the LGBTQ community (including transgender andnon-binary/gender non-conforming individuals).
- Veteran-Owned Business Achievement Award
- Recognizes a veteran-owned, small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies significant contributions made by veteran-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51 percent owned or controlled by one or more U.S. veterans, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101 (2). The business must also have management and daily operations controlled by at least one (1) U.S. veteran.
- Woman-Owned Business Achievement Award
- Recognizes a women-owned, small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51 percent owned or controlled by one or more women who are U.S. residentss. The business must also have management and daily operations controlled by at least one (1) woman.
- Young Entrepreneur Achievement Award
- Recognizes a small business owner, founder or co-founders, aged between 14 and 30 (as of 31 December 2021) who have attained outstanding business achievement.
- Community Support and Leadership Award
- Recognizes a small business that has demonstrated an exemplary level of leadership and community engagement to assist the needs of its community, and to service the needs of its customers, employees, and neighbors.
Eligibility Criteria
- A business must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the dream big awards
- For-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the United States
- Have less than 250 employees OR have gross revenues of less than $20 million for each of 2019 and 2020.
For more information, visit https://www.uschamber.com/dream-big-awards