Greater Arlington Chamber Small Businesses of the Year Recognition Program
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce annually recognizes small businesses that have demonstrated leadership, creativity, and integrity in operating a successful small business in the greater Arlington community. The Chamber began the program in 1996 by recognizing a business in the for-profit category. In 2010, the Chamber added a second category – nonprofit of the year. In 2014, the Chamber expanded the recognition to include a veteran-owned business.
The Greater Arlington Chamber utilizes the U.S. Small Business Administration’s size standards to define “small business”—500 maximum employees for most manufacturing and mining industries and $7.5 million maximum in average annual receipts for most non-manufacturing industries.
To be considered for these prestigious awards, a two-step process is involved.
First Step – NOMINATION
A business must be nominated in the applicable category (for-profit, nonprofit or veteran-owned). Anyone interested in nominating a business must complete a simple form found here. The nomination must be submitted by February 21, 2020.
Second Step – BUSINESS QUESTIONNAIRE
During the first week of March 2020, each nominated business will be notified and asked to complete a questionnaire. All responses will be judged by a committee of the Chamber’s Business Development Advisory Committee. Judging is based on the following criteria: business longevity, employment growth, increases or added services, response to adversity, and contributions to aid community-oriented projects. The nonprofit organizations will be judged on the following criteria: organization longevity, volunteer growth, patrons served, innovativeness, collaboration with other not-for-profit agencies and response to adversity. Award Recipients must be current members in good standing with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The award ceremony is May 8, 2020 during National Small Business Week.
About the Awards Ceremony
In partnership with the Small Business Administration and the Tarrant County Small Business Development Center, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Spirit of America: Salute to Small Business Awards. This year's event will be on May 8, 2020 at the Sheraton Arlington Hotel and presented by NTAGGL.