Risk-takers. Problem solvers. The dreamers and the doers.
Not for the faint of heart, being a small business owner is a bold feat. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we celebrate those who are up to the challenge. The Small Business Awards does just that, by showcasing those that dare to start, sustain and succeed and the community that supports them.
November 20
11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Infinite Energy Forum
Don’t forget to submit your application for the awards! Deadline is September 28.
Sign up for THE small business event of the year! In-person and online options available.
Enhance your exposure and support small business!
Award Categories
Community Contributor Award
This recognition pays tribute to an organization, that although small, makes a big difference in the lives of others. Nonprofits and for-profits alike can participate in this award.
Culture Creator Award
Creating a company culture is not just for large corporations. This small business is intentional by investing in the development and wellbeing of its employees.
Emerging Entrepreneur Award
This kudos will go to a young professional who is shaking up the small business space. Applicants must be under 40 years of age by November 1, 2020.
Founder Award
The recipient of this award started small but thought big. This top-tier recognition will pay tribute to an entrepreneur who has reached the pinnacle of prosperity.
Launch Award
This recognition will honor a business that began no more than two years ago. Its innovative approach ensures that it’s well on its way.
Minority-Owned/Woman-Owned Small Business Award
This award recognizes a minority-owned and/or woman-owned organization that exhibits excellence and best business practices.
Pivot Pro Award
COVID-19 has thrown us all for a loop. This recognition goes to an organization that did not miss a beat. It was responsive and adapted its business to the current climate.
Small Business Award
This small business is a standout organization. It exhibits excellence and best business practices.
Three awards will be given in this sector.
- 0 – 5 Employees
- 6 – 24 Employees
- 25+ Employees
Support System Award
The success of a small business is often dependent on the ecosystem that it is surrounded by. This designation honors an organization that strengthens the community’s small business environment.
Sponsors
Creative Media
Corporate
Corporate
Partner
Partner
Partner
Partner
Onsite Exhibitor
Partner Opportunities
Enhance your exposure and support small business!
Contact Cally D’Angelo, Sr. Director, Membership Services & Small Business Initiatives with questions.
678.957.4958 or CDAngelo@GwinnettChamber.org.
Presenting Sponsor
One available (In-person & Online Option)
- • The program will be referred to as “Small Business Awards, presented (name of sponsor company).”
- • Attendee list
- • Logo on all marketing collateral
- • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- • Personalized letter to finalists, facilitated by chamber
- • Presentation of awards (opportunity to present in-person or online)
- • Recognition in press releases
- • Social media spotlight
- • Ten (10) seats at event OR ability to host *watch party at your location (catering provided for up to 20 people) or host a *Zoom room during networking portion of event for online registrants
- • First opportunity to sponsor following year
Leading Sponsor
One available (In-person & Online Option)
- • One-minute promotional announcement (opportunity to present in-person or online)
- • Attendee list
- • Logo inclusion in program, signage, and website
- • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- • Personalized letter to finalists, facilitated by chamber
- • Recognition in press releases
- • Social media spotlight
- • Ten (10) seats at event OR ability to host *watch party at your location (catering provided for up to 20 people) or host a *Zoom room during networking portion of event for online registrants
- • First opportunity to upgrade to Presenting Sponsor for following year
Principal Sponsor
Three available (In-person & Online Option)
- • 30-second promotional announcement from emcee
- • Logo inclusion in program, signage and website
- • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- • Social media spotlight
- • Ten (10) seats at event OR ability to *host watch party at your location (catering provided for up to 20 people) or host a *Zoom room during networking portion of event for online registrants
- • First right of refusal for following year
Supporting Sponsor
Multiple available (In-person and Online Option)
- • Logo inclusion in program, signage and website
- • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- • Social media spotlight
- • Verbal reference at event
- • Eight (8) seats at event OR ability to host *watch party at your location or host a *Zoom room during networking portion of event for online registrants
Corporate Sponsor
Multiple available (In-person and Online Option)
- • Logo inclusion in program, signage and website
- • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- • Social media spotlight
- • Verbal reference at event
- • Six (6) seats at event OR ability to host *watch party at your location or host a *Zoom room during networking portion of event for online registrants
Partner Sponsor
Multiple available (In-person Option)
- • Logo inclusion in program, signage and website
- • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table
- • Social media spotlight
- • Verbal reference at event
- • Four (4) seats at event
Watch Party Sponsor
Multiple available (Online Option)
- • Logo inclusion in program, signage and website
- • Social media spotlight
- • Verbal reference at event
- • Ability to host *watch party at your location
Onsite Exhibitor
Multiple available (In-person Option)
- • Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table
- • Two (2) seats at event
Zoom Room Host
Multiple available (Online Option)
- • Opportunity to host a *Zoom room for online registrants during networking
- • Two (2) seats at event
*Watch Party
A watch party is a fun way for you and your guests to tune into the Small Business Awards from the comfort and convenience of your place of business. As a host, you can invite up to 20 professionals to join you. The Gwinnett Chamber will provide the AV instructions as well as suggestions that will make you the hostess with the mostess.
*Zoom Room
The Small Business Awards will provide both in-person and online attendance options this year. Both options will provide the opportunity to network prior to the ceremony. As a Zoom Room host, you will have the opportunity to facilitate networking with online registrants, with support from the Gwinnett Chamber of course. This is a great way to position your organization as a leader in the small business space. Zoom Room availability is subject to change based on demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nominating is easy! Click here to check out the different award categories and here to nominate.
Anyone can nominate an individual or organization. You can even nominate yourself or the company you work for.
Absolutely! You will need to submit a separate nomination for each award.
Yes, they are.
September 10 at midnight.
By email and snail mail.
Yes, the notification will ask the nominee to complete a brief application.
September 26 at midnight.
There is no fee to apply.
A confidential selections committee reviews and scores it
No, one nomination is sufficient. Scoring is based on the application solely, not on the number of nominations.
Submit your quick application to be considered.
Scoring criteria directly aligns with the questions on the application.
Yes, based on scores from the selections committee finalists will be determined.
By email and snail mail.
The week of October 20.
Winners will be unveiled at the Small Business Awards ceremony held on November 20 at the Infinite Energy Forum.
Click here to register.
In-person option includes:
- Business-building with entrepreneurs and owners (6 feet apart, of course)
- Swag from some of our sponsors
- A seated lunch
- Sideline view of the ceremony
Online option includes:
- Business-building with entrepreneurs and owners online
- $20 gift certificate to a local small business
- Zoom link to view the ceremony from the comfort and convenience of your own home, place of business, coffee shop – you get the gist!
Business professional.
It is recommended that you register in advance to guarantee a seat.
Although we would love to have you as a member, that is not what this event is about. We are excited to recognize our small business community, members and non-members alike. However, if you would like to take part in the valuable content and connections that membership provides, click here for more information.