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 (must provide examples or data):

• 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
  

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 2 years
• 10 employees or less

Evaluation Criteria (must provide examples or data):

• Micro-Business (fewer than 10 employees) 
• 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
  

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 9 years
• 11-99 Employees

Evaluation Criteria (must provide examples or data):

• Small and Medium Business 
• 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
  

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
• 100+ employees

Evaluation Criteria (must provide examples or data):

• 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
  

Pays tribute to a business whose enduring leadership and unwavering commitment have empowered entrepreneurs and shaped the success of our small business community.

Eligibility:

• Must be a family-owned business with a minimum of 15 years of active operations in San Antonio or the greater San Antonio area
• Open to both multi-generational businesses and first-generation entrepreneurs building a foundation for future generational impact
• Contributions may span the public, private, nonprofit, or entrepreneurial sectors
• Must demonstrate a sustained commitment to supporting, mentoring, advocating for, or investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs
• Business owner(s) or leadership must be currently active or recently retired within the past three (3) years

Evaluation Criteria (must provide examples or data):

• Demonstrated longevity, sustainability, and continued growth of the business over time
• Commitment to preserving family values, leadership, and vision across generations or through long-term stewardship
• Measurable contributions to San Antonio’s economic growth, workforce development, or small business ecosystem
• Demonstrated community involvement through philanthropy, volunteerism, civic engagement, or nonprofit partnerships
• Ability to adapt, innovate, and remain resilient through economic challenges, industry shifts, or periods of growth and transition
• Positive impact on employees through workplace culture, leadership development, retention, or career advancement opportunities
• Demonstrated reputation for integrity, leadership, and trusted business practices within the community
• Commitment to supplier diversity, local partnerships, or investing back into the local economy
• Evidence of creating a lasting legacy that extends beyond the business itself through mentorship, advocacy, leadership, or community influence
• Recognition from peers, industry organizations, or the broader community for leadership, service, or business excellence 
  

The Rising Star Award honors an emerging leader serving in an executive role, such as CEO, Executive Director, or senior-level decision-maker, who is making a measurable impact within their organization and the San Antonio community. This award recognizes early success in their role, recent achievements, demonstrated leadership, and a clear trajectory of influence, innovation, and continued growth.

Eligibility:

• Must be an individual professional serving in an executive role (e.g., CEO, Executive Director, or senior-level decision-maker)
• Early in tenure within their current executive role (typically within the first 3–5 years)
• Must live and/or work in the San Antonio area
• May represent the nonprofit, private, or public sector

Evaluation Criteria (must provide examples or data):

• Demonstrated Organizational Impact: Evidence of measurable outcomes such as revenue growth, program expansion, increased funding, operational improvements, or audience/customer growth within a defined timeframe
• Early Leadership Success: Key milestones achieved shortly after stepping into the role (e.g., launching initiatives, restructuring teams, securing partnerships, entering new markets)
• Strategic Vision & Execution: Ability to set direction and successfully implement strategies that produce tangible results
• Innovation & Problem-Solving: Introduction of new ideas, systems, or approaches that improved performance, efficiency, or community impact
• Community & Industry Engagement: Quantifiable involvement such as board service, mentorship hours, partnerships formed, initiatives led, or populations served
• Trajectory of Growth: Clear indicators of continued upward momentum, influence, and scalability of their leadership impact