All nominations are due by 5 PM CST on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Nominations are now open for our 2024 Annual Small Business Awards!
Nominations are now open for our 2024 Annual Small Business Awards! Don’t delay — send in your nominations today! We have NEW categories this year, and we’re planning a great awards show on Thursday, Sept. 12, so go ahead and save the date.
Each year, the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber recognizes well-respected small businesses whose hard work and dedication help make our community shine. Winning a Small Business Award is a great way to get your company’s name recognized in a competitive market. After all, you want to be a small business that stands out!
Nominate a BUSINESS for one of the following categories:
- Arts & Recreation Business of the Year
- Community Impact Award (NEW!)
- Construction Industry Business of the Year
- Emerging Business of the Year
- Engineering & Defense Business of the Year (Small, Medium and Large)
- Health/Social Services Business of the Year
- Hospitality Business of the Year
- Minority-Owned Business of the Year
- Nonprofit of the Year
- Professional/Technical Services Business of the Year
- Retailer of the Year
- Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
- Woman-Owned Business of the Year
- Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award
- Young Professional of the Year
- Small Business Champion of the Year (NEW!)
Arts & Recreation Business of the Year
The Arts and Recreation Business of the Year recognizes a business or nonprofit organization operating within the arts and recreation sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, creativity, and contribution to its industry and community. This award typically celebrates businesses such as art galleries, theaters, dance studios, music schools, recreational facilities, and other establishments that provide cultural enrichment and leisure activities.
Community Impact Award*
The Community Impact Award is presented to a small business that has made significant contributions to its local community through various initiatives, programs, and activities. This award celebrates small businesses that prioritize giving back to the community and actively engage in activities that make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and the overall community.
Construction Industry Business of the Year
The Construction Industry Business of the Year is presented to a company operating within the construction industry that has demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and contributions to the sector and community. This award recognizes companies involved in various aspects of the construction industry, including contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and service providers.
Emerging Business of the Year
The Emerging Business of the Year Award is presented to a recently established company (less than 3 years old by September 12, 2024) that has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and potential for success within its industry or market. This award typically celebrates businesses that have shown promising signs of development and have made significant strides in establishing themselves as emerging leaders in their respective fields.
Engineering & Defense Business of the Year (Small, Medium, and Large)
The Engineering and Defense Business of the Year Award is presented to a company operating within the engineering and defense sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and contribution to its industry and national security. This award typically celebrates businesses involved in engineering, manufacturing, technology development, and defense contracting. There are three awards in this category, based on size: Small – <100, Medium 101-300, Large 301+ Employees.
Health/Social Services Business of the Year
The Health and Social Services Business of the Year Award is a prestigious recognition presented to a company or organization operating within the health and social services sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and contribution to the well-being of individuals and communities. This award typically celebrates businesses and organizations that provide healthcare, social services, mental health support, rehabilitation services, and other related services.
Hospitality Business of the Year
The Hospitality Business of the Year Award is a prestigious accolade presented to a company or establishment operating within the hospitality industry that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and contribution to the guest experience and overall industry. This award typically recognizes businesses such as hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, cafes, event venues, and tourism-related businesses.
Minority-Owned Business of the Year
The Minority-Owned Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that is 51% owned and operated by individuals from racial or ethnic minority groups. This award celebrates the achievements, contributions, and resilience of minority entrepreneurs and small business owners, highlighting their innovation, leadership, and positive impact on their communities and industries.
Nonprofit of the Year
The Nonprofit of the Year Award is presented to a nonprofit organization that has demonstrated exceptional performance, impact, and innovation in fulfilling its mission and serving its community. This award celebrates the contributions of nonprofit organizations in addressing social, environmental, or humanitarian challenges and making a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Professional/Technical Services Business of the Year
The Professional Services Business of the Year is presented to a company operating within the professional services sector that has demonstrated exceptional performance, excellence in service delivery, and significant contributions to its industry and community. This award typically recognizes businesses such as law firms, accounting firms, consulting firms, architectural firms, and other similar enterprises that provide specialized services to clients.
Retailer of the Year
The Retailer of the Year award recognizes a retail establishment that has demonstrated exceptional performance, innovation, and customer satisfaction within its industry. This award celebrates excellence in retailing across various dimensions, including but not limited to sales growth, customer service, product selection, marketing initiatives, and community engagement.
Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award (Individual Award)
The Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award is a prestigious recognition bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, strategic vision, and significant contributions to their organization, industry, and community. This award celebrates executives who have displayed outstanding leadership skills and have made a lasting impact through their vision, innovation, and dedication.
Small Business Champion of the Year (Individual Award)*
The Small Business Champion of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding support, advocacy, and dedication to the small business community. This award celebrates champions who have made significant contributions to the success and growth of small businesses through advocacy, mentorship, education, or other forms of support.
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
The Veteran-Owned Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that is 51% owned and operated by a military veteran who served in the armed forces. This award celebrates the contributions, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit of veterans who have transitioned from military service to successful business ownership.
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
The Woman-Owned Business of the Year Award is presented to a business that is 51%owned and operated by a woman. This award celebrates the accomplishments, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit of women entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional success and impact in their respective industries.
Young Professional of the Year (Individual Award) – The Young Professional of the Year Award is presented to an outstanding individual who has demonstrated exceptional achievements, leadership, and contributions to their profession or industry at a relatively young age (40 years of age or younger by September 12, 2024). This award celebrates the accomplishments and potential of young professionals who have distinguished themselves through their exemplary performance, innovation, and dedication to excellence.
NOMINATION GUIDELINES:
Please read carefully to ensure the business or individual you are nominating falls within these guidelines. Any Nominee that does not fit the guidelines will automatically be disqualified.
Qualifications to apply:
- Nominee must be a current Chamber Member in good standing; membership and account must be current through September 2023.
- Nominee must be licensed in the State of Alabama.
- Nominee must be within the required employee count (under 250 employees); the only exception is the Professional/Technical Services category. Employee count is the total number of employees in ALL locations.
- Nominations will be accepted in the Professional/Technical Services category for companies that are: Small (≤100 employees), Medium (101-300 employees), and Large (301+). An award will be made in each size category.
- Nominee must have been actively in business a minimum of three years (by September 28, 2023); the only exception is the Emerging Business category.
- Nominees for the Emerging Business category may not be more than two years old by September 28, 2023.
- Nominee in any business category must not have received any of the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Small Business Award(s) in the last three (3) years, excluding Young Professional of the Year or the Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award.
- Nominee may apply for more than one category (category must describe 75% of services/products provided), but will only be eligible to receive ONE award.
- Awards will only be given in categories with 3 or more valid contenders.
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
Admin/Support Services Business of the Year
- This category comprises establishments performing routine support activities for the day-to-day operations of other organizations. Activities performed by businesses in this category include: office administration, hiring and placing of personnel, document preparation and similar clerical services, solicitation, collection, security and surveillance services, cleaning.
Arts & Recreation Business of the Year
- This category includes a wide range of establishments that operate facilities or provide services to meet varied cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests of their patrons. Businesses in this category include museums, historical sites, independent artists, writers and performers, dance companies, and theater companies.
Construction Company of the Year
- The Construction sector comprises establishments primarily engaged in the construction of buildings or engineering. Establishments primarily engaged in the preparation of sites for new construction and establishments primarily engaged in subdividing land for sale as building sites also are included in this sector.
- This category includes businesses in any of the award categories that have been in business for less than 3 three years (to the date of the awards program, September 28, 2023).
Health/Social Services Business of the Year
- This category includes Healthcare and Social Assistance establishments providing healthcare and social assistance for individuals. Establishments in this category deliver services by trained professionals. Businesses in this category include family practice, dental, chiropractic, specialty healthcare services, and counseling centers.
Hospitality Services Business of the Year
- This category comprises establishments providing customers with lodging and/or preparing meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption. Businesses in this category include: caterers, restaurants, and hotels.
- The Manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products. The assembling of component parts of manufactured products is considered manufacturing.
Minority-Owned Business of the Year
- Applicants in this category meet all of the qualifications for a small business award, is a business in any of the award categories, and is a minority-owned business. The minority business owner must be a shareholder with 51% or greater company ownership and provide significant daily leadership for the financial and operational strength of the company.
- Must have an official 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(6) designation from the IRS or a designation as a donor directed fund of a community foundation; must also be located in and serve the residents of Madison County.
Professional/Technical Services Business of the Year
- This category includes companies that specialize in performing professional, scientific, and technical activities for others. These activities require a high degree of expertise and training (require professional licenses/certification). The businesses in this category specialize according to expertise and provide these services to clients in a variety of industries and, in some cases, to households. This category includes businesses providing legal advice and representation; accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services; architectural, engineering, and specialized design services; computer services; consulting services; research services; advertising services; photographic services; translation and interpretation services; veterinary services; and other professional, scientific, and technical services
- This category will have 3 awards based on company size:
- Small (≤100 employees)
- Medium (101-300 employees)
- Large (301+)
- This category includes businesses that engage in retailing merchandise and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise.
Veteran-Owned Business of the Year
- Applicants in this category meet all of the qualifications for a small business award, is a business in any of the award categories, and is a veteran-owned business. The Veteran Business owner must be a shareholder with 51% or greater company ownership and provide significant daily leadership for the financial and operational strength of the company.
Woman-Owned Business of the Year
- Applicants in this category meet all of the qualifications for a small business award, is a business in any of the award categories, and is a woman-owned business. The woman business owner must be a shareholder with 51% or greater company ownership and provide significant daily leadership for the financial and operational strength of the company.
INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES
Russell G. Brown Executive Leadership Award
Applicants in this category must meet all of the qualifications for a small business award, and meet the following criteria:
- Must have started, owned, currently own, or serve in the capacity of CEO or President for a small business or organization that operates in and serves Madison County for a minimum of 3 years.
- Must not have received this award, Entrepreneur or Executive of the Year in the last 10 Years.
- Must submit the completed profile in the requested format (failure to do so will result in disqualification) by close of business of the Small Business Awards application deadline.
Young Professional of the Year
Applicants in this category must meet all of the qualifications for a small business award, and meet the following criteria:
- Must have been employed continually in the Huntsville/Madison County metro area for a minimum of 3 years. Must not have received this award before.
- Must be 40 years of age or younger as of September 28, 2023.
- Must submit the completed profile in the requested format, and have all recommendations submitted (failure to do so will result in disqualification) by close of business of the Small Business Awards application deadline.
