In 1982, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce established the Small Business of the Year awards to honor the important role that small businesses play in the Cobb community and the economy. In 2004, the Top 25 small businesses were also showcased as the exceptional companies that keep Cobb influential and thriving. By 2012, the Small Business Hall of Fame was created to shine a spotlight on the growing number of businesses that continue to set the standard for small businesses very high.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2016 Small Business of the Year Awards! Business owners can nominate themselves or other businesses. Applicants must meet the following conditions:

  • Be for-profit
  • Be a Cobb Chamber member at the time of Top 25 selection
  • Demonstrate an increase in sales and/or unit volume
  • Have been in business at least three years
  • Companies who have only been in business for 0-3 years can still apply for an opportunity to be recognized as one of the Cobb Chamber’s up-and-coming small businesses.
  • Show evidence of contributions to community-oriented projects
  • Comply with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s size standards in defining a small business

Applications can be completed online by visiting www.cobbchamber.org. All applications must be submitted by Friday, March 4 for consideration. Applications are based on the Small Business Administration standards demonstrating achievement in growth, community involvement, employee benefits and adversity among other criteria. An independent panel of judges comprised of composed of business and community leaders reviews the applications. The judges select the Top 25 and from amongst the Top 25, the Small Business of the Year winner. The overall winner continues on to participate in the state small business of the year competition.

Celebrate with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce at their June 6 First Monday Breakfast to recognize the 2016 Small Business of the Year winner, the Top 25 Small Businesses of the Year and the Small Business Hall of Fame inductees.

For more information about the Small Business of the Year awards or to become a sponsor, contact Ashley Warner at 770 859-2346 or awarner@cobbchamber.org.

Reprinted from EAST COBBER’s February 2016 issue

 

Who would you like to nominate for Cobb Chamber’s 2016 Small Business of the Year Award? Please share below!