The SBA Vermont District Office is accepting nominations for its annual small business awards. Previous Vermont winners include Ben and Jerry’s, Switchback Brewing Company and Vermont Teddy Bear Company.
The categories are as follows:
Small Business Person of the Year
Criteria: Individual or partners who own a small business, which has increased sales, profits and employees, and have been in business for three years.
Exporting Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business which has increased sales, profits and/or employees due to exporting and been in business for three years.
Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business must be family-owned for at least 15 years and ownership has transitioned to another generation.
Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business at least 51% owned by a veteran of U.S. armed forces, which has been in business for three years.
Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business at least 51% owned by a woman, which has been in business for three years.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Criteria: Individual or partners who own a small business, are under 35, and have been in business for three years.
Microenterprise of the Year
Criteria: Individual or partners who own a microenterprise with five or less employees, received SBA assistance and have been in business for three years.
Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year
Criteria: Small business at least 51% owned by an ethnic minority, which has been in business for three years.
To nominate a Vermont small business, email[email protected]the name of the business, owner’s name and the specific award category. Businesses may self-nominate.
Source: Vermont SBA. For more information, email[email protected]or call802-828-4422.