August 22, 2025 at The Westin North
2025 Award Nomination Categories
SAHCC membership is not required to nominate or be nominated.
Rising Star Award
A business in its early stages that demonstrates exceptional promise, innovation, and a solid foundation for long-term success.
Eligibility
- In operation for 6 months to 3 years
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Unique value proposition or business model
- Demonstrated traction (e.g. customer base, partnerships, revenue growth)
- Brand presence and marketing efforts
- Leadership’s vision and adaptability
- Community engagement or early-stage impact
Innovation Award
A small business that is scaling operations, increasing market share, and showing measurable growth while maintaining quality and culture.
Eligibility
- In operation for 3+ to 10 years
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Year-over-year revenue and/or staff growth
- Expansion of product lines, services, or markets
- Investments in infrastructure, systems, or workforce development
- Leadership strategy and scalability
- Positive organizational culture and community visibility
Trailblazer Award
A 2nd stage teenage company that has overcome early-stage challenges and are now driving sustained innovation, job creation, and community/economic impact.
Eligibility
- In operation for 10+ years
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Long-term financial stability and consistent growth
- Strategic innovation or transformation (e.g. tech integration, global expansion)
- Market leadership or industry influence
- Demonstrated leadership development, succession planning, or governance
- Significant impact on local economy or community initiatives
Stars & Stripes Award
Honoring a veteran entrepreneur who has transformed their dedication to our country into successful business leadership with patriotic pride.
Eligibility
- Must be a U.S. military veteran (honorably discharged from active duty, reserve, or National Guard)
- Must be the founder, co-founder, or majority owner (51%+) of a small business
- Business must have been in operation for at least 2 years
- Nominee must demonstrate ongoing community engagement or advocacy tied to veteran or small business causes
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Inspirational personal journey that reflects the values of service, discipline, and adaptability
- Sustainable business growth, innovation, or operational excellence
- Clear demonstration of how military experience has shaped the entrepreneur’s leadership, resilience, or mission-driven approach
- Engagement with and impact on local or veteran communities (e.g., mentorship, hiring veterans, community initiatives)
- Efforts to give back through civic leadership, volunteerism, or economic development
- Embodiment of patriotic pride in business practices, branding, or mission
Changemaker Award
For grassroots organizations or early-stage nonprofits demonstrating powerful impact with limited resources.
Eligibility
- Must be a registered nonprofit organization
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Demonstrates strong community engagement, particularly with underserved or underrepresented populations
- Shows evidence of creative approaches, innovation, or bold ideas achieving measurable local impact
- Must not be a chapter or affiliate of a larger national organization
Community Powerhouse Award
For well-established organizations with a broad footprint, strong leadership, and a proven record of transformative impact.
Eligibility
- Must be a registered nonprofit organization
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Demonstrates long-term, measurable impact at a regional, state, or national level
- Recognized for strong governance, leadership development, and organizational resilience
- May include larger organizations with multi-site programs, policy influence, or leadership in sector-wide initiatives
Small Business Lender of the Year Award
A financial institution, lender, or funding program that has been a driving force in expanding access to capital for small businesses and entrepreneurs.
Eligibility
- Must be a bank, credit union, CDFI, nonprofit lender, or funding program (public or private)
- Must have provided capital or funding directly to small businesses
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Total volume and number of small businesses funded
- Accessibility of funding (e.g., simplified applications, alternative underwriting, direct support)
- Measurable economic impact (e.g., jobs created, businesses launched or sustained)
- Community partnerships or ecosystem alignment to extend reach
Procurement Champion of the Year Award
A public agency that actively invests in small businesses through inclusive, intentional, and impactful procurement practices.
Eligibility
- Must be a public agency (e.g., city, county, school district, state agency)
- Must have an active procurement or contracting program that prioritizes purchasing from small and/or diverse businesses
- Must be operating such a program for at least 2 years
- Must demonstrate direct business engagement with small vendors (local, minority-, women-, or veteran-owned)
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Percentage or volume of procurement spend directed to small businesses
- Efforts to simplify or improve access to procurement opportunities (e.g., outreach, technical assistance, streamlined processes)
- Demonstrated commitment to equity through policies, targets, or small business goals
- Creation of lasting opportunities for small vendors (e.g., repeat contracts, capacity building, mentorship)
- Collaboration with chambers, councils, or grassroots organizations to extend outreach and impact
Supply Chain Champion of the Year Award
A private-sector company or corporation that demonstrates leadership in purchasing from small businesses and building inclusive supplier networks.
Eligibility
- Must be a private business or corporate entity with a documented commitment to sourcing from small businesses
- Must have procured goods or services from small business vendors within the past 12 months
- May include supplier diversity programs or inclusive sourcing initiatives
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Procurement spend or number of contracts awarded to small businesses
- Integration of small vendors into the long-term supply chain (beyond one-time purchases)
- Innovation in vendor development, mentorship, or procurement practices
- Support of local economies or underrepresented business communities
Legacy Lifetime Award
Pays tribute to an individual whose enduring leadership and unwavering commitment have empowered entrepreneurs and shaped the success of our small business community.
Eligibility
- Must be an individual with a minimum of 10 years of active support in small business development
- Contributions may span public, private, nonprofit, or entrepreneurial sectors
- Must have a demonstrable history of mentoring, advocating for, or investing in small businesses
- Must be currently active or recently retired (within 3 years)
Evaluation criteria (Nominees may be contacted to provide additional examples or data to support their consideration)
- Lifetime achievements and measurable contributions to entrepreneurship
- Impact on underserved or emerging business communities
- Role in shaping policies, programs, or funding opportunities
- Peer recognition or awards related to small business leadership
- Legacy of mentorship, thought leadership, or ecosystem building
