Small-business awards competition begins Small-business awards competition begins

The Seattle District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is currently accepting nominations for its 2009 Washington State Small Business Awards Competition. During Small Business Week and throughout the year, it recognizes the determination and ingenuity of America’s workers and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in building a more prosperous future for the country.

The Seattle District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is currently accepting nominations for its 2009 Washington State Small Business Awards Competition. During Small Business Week and throughout the year, it recognizes the determination and ingenuity of America’s workers and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in building a more prosperous future for the country.

The deadline for all nominations is Nov. 19.

“Next spring, during the Washington State Awards Gala, we recognize and celebrate some of the most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs in our district,” says Nancy Porzio, Seattle district director. “There are 26.8 million small businesses in America. Washington state is home to approximately 578,300 small businesses that are responsible for approximately 98.2 percent of all business activity. Small business is big in our state.”

Any individual or organization may submit nominations. A company, owner or business advocate can also self-nominate. Award categories include:

•Small Business Person of the Year

•Home-Based Business Champion of the Year

•Entrepreneurial Success Award

•Minority Small Business Champion of the Year

•Small Business Exporter •Small Business Journalist of the Year

•SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

•Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

•Jeffrey Butland Family–Owned Business of the Year

•Women in Business Champion of the Year

•Financial Services Champion of the Year

The winners will be honored locally at the Washington State Awards Gala in Seattle in April and continue on to compete for national honors.

For a copy of the nomination criteria, contact Carol Andersen, SBA, at (206) 553-7315, carol.andersen@sba.gov. Downloadable nomination forms are also available electronically at www.sba.gov/wa/seattle “under spotlight” SBW 2009.

The Seattle District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is currently accepting nominations for its 2009 Washington State Small Business Awards Competition. During Small Business Week and throughout the year, it recognizes the determination and ingenuity of America’s workers and entrepreneurs who play a vital role in building a more prosperous future for the country.

The deadline for all nominations is Nov. 19.

“Next spring, during the Washington State Awards Gala, we recognize and celebrate some of the most successful and inspiring entrepreneurs in our district,” says Nancy Porzio, Seattle district director. “There are 26.8 million small businesses in America. Washington state is home to approximately 578,300 small businesses that are responsible for approximately 98.2 percent of all business activity. Small business is big in our state.”

Any individual or organization may submit nominations. A company, owner or business advocate can also self-nominate. Award categories include:

•Small Business Person of the Year

•Home-Based Business Champion of the Year

•Entrepreneurial Success Award

•Minority Small Business Champion of the Year

•Small Business Exporter •Small Business Journalist of the Year

•SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year

•Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year

•Jeffrey Butland Family–Owned Business of the Year

•Women in Business Champion of the Year

•Financial Services Champion of the Year

The winners will be honored locally at the Washington State Awards Gala in Seattle in April and continue on to compete for national honors.

For a copy of the nomination criteria, contact Carol Andersen, SBA, at (206) 553-7315, carol.andersen@sba.gov. Downloadable nomination forms are also available electronically at www.sba.gov/wa/seattle “under spotlight” SBW 2009.