The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Georgia District Office is seeking nominations for its Georgia 2015 Small Business/Champion of the Year awards. The award categories are: 

• Entrepreneurial Success Award
• Family-Owned Business of the Year
• Financial Services Champion of the Year
• Home-Based Business Champion of the Year
• LGBT Business Advocate of the Year
• Minority Small Business Champion of the Year
• Small Business Media Advocate of the Year
• Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year
• Women in Business Champion of the Year
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year

"National Small Business Week is a great time of year to pause and recognize the many accomplishments of the small business community around the country," said Terri Denison, District Director.  

For more than 50 years, SBA has recognized the outstanding achievements of America’s small businesses for their contributions in their local communities, and to our nation’s economy. Winners will be announced during National Small Business Week, May 4-8, 2015. Dates for the Georgia observance will be announced soon. 

Attached please find complete details and nomination criteria which can also be located at ww.sba.gov/ga. Nominations can be made by any individual or organization that supports the small business community.

The deadline to submit nominations to the Georgia District Office is March 6th. Submit nominations to [email protected].

Entrepreneurial Success Award

Individuals must own and operate businesses initially launched as small businesses according to SBA size standards and subsequently developed into large businesses; and they must have received SBA assistance to help the businesses grow.

Family-Owned Business of the Year

This award honors a family-owned and operated business which has been passed on from one generation to the next. The owner must also serve as a majority owner and operator or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with at least a 15-year track record.

Financial Services Champion of the Year

An individual who assists small businesses through advocacy efforts to increase the usefulness and availability of accounting or financial services for small businesses may be nominated. 

Home-Based Business Champion of the Year

An individual who has experienced the rewards and difficulties of owning a home-based business and has volunteered to improve the climate for these businesses may be nominated. 

LGBT Business Advocate of the Year

The LGBT Business Advocate of the Year award will recognize an individual or individuals who champion the advancement of small business opportunities for LGBT business community. 

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.

Small Business Media Advocate of the Year

The Small Business Media Advocate of the Year award will recognize an outstanding journalist from television, radio, web, electronic or print media whose work supports the growth and expansion of small businesses throughout the state of Georgia. 

Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of small business opportunities for veterans of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated.

Women in Business Champion of the Year

An individual who has fulfilled a commitment to the advancement of women’s business ownership may be nominated. 

Young Entrepreneur of the Year

To be considered a young entrepreneur, the individual must serve as a majority owner and operate or bear principal responsibility for operating a small business with a three year track record, and who will not have reached the age of 30 by June 1, 2012. 

For more information, please contact Ms. Angel Davis, SBA Georgia District Office, 404.331.0100, or [email protected].