Hampton Roads is home to an abundance of top-notch small businesses, young entrepreneurs, flourishing startups, and small business leaders working every day to strengthen our small business community.

Recognize your favorite small business, start-up, or small business leader.

• Nominate them today for a Small Business of the Year Award.

• Review the Award Criteria

Deadline for all nominations is January 14, 2022

Application deadline for all nominees is February 17, 2022

Fill out the form below to nominate a business for one of the following awards:

• Small Business of the Year Award

• Leadership Award

• Entrepreneur Award

• Non-Profit Award (Same application as the Small Business of the Year)

• Top to Watch

2021 Award Nominations Form

Nominations for the 2021 Small Business of the Year Award are now closed.  If your business has been nominated please make sure you submit an Application for the 2021 Small Business of the Year Award by no later than 5:00pm on February 17, 2021.  Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Award Requirements

Small Business of the Year Award

• Fewer than 250 employees

• Gross revenues of less than $10 million in 2021

• In business for more than 3 years

• Eligible applicants will be judged on:

• Financial performance and business history

• Staff training and motivation

• Community involvement

• Customer service

• Business plan or strategies and goals

  Download Application    Apply Online  Small Business of the Year Award  

Entrepreneur of the Year Award

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is presented to a standout entrepreneur in the Hampton Roads region.  The award recognizes entrepreneurs who have taken the risk of starting and running their own business in Hampton Roads.  Candidates for this award will be judged on business strategies, financial success, and community involvement.

  Download Application

Leadership Award

The Leadership Award is presented to an individual demonstrating leadership, impact on workplace culture, community service and involvement, professional achievement, and perseverance. Any individual may nominate a leader for this award. The individual nominating must complete the leadership award application.

  Download Application

  Non-Profit Award

This award will be given to the non-profit of the year. The criteria and application are the same as the Small Business of the Year award. 

  Download Application

Top to Watch

The criteria are the same as the Small Business of the Year award, however, this award is for those outstanding young businesses who have been in operation for less than three years.  

  Download Application  Top to Watch Award