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The DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam's Club®, celebrates the success of small business and honors its contributions to America’s economic growth. This is a chance to win $10,000 and gain national recognition for your business! The winner, 7 regional finalists, and 75 Blue Ribbon winners will be acknowledged on April 30, 2012 during America’s Small Business Summit in Washington D.C.
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Timeline | Eligibility | Criteria | Community Excellence Award | Levels of Recognition | Applicaton FAQs | 2013 Application Information
2013 Awards Program Timeline
December 17, 2012: Nomination Submission Deadline
January 11, 2013: Application Submission Deadline
February 8, 2013: Blue Ribbon Winners Announced
February 8 – 22, 2013: Community Excellence Award Voting Period
February 15, 2013: Regional Finalists (7) Announced
April 30, 2013: DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award Winner Announced
Eligibility Requirements
Members and nonmembers of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are invited to participate in the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Awards program. Small businesses must meet the following requirements to participate in the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Awards program:
- Fewer than 250 employees
- Gross revenues of less than $20 million in 2010 and 2011
The winner of the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award must also be able to attend America's Small Business Summit 2013, April 29 – May 1, in Washington, D.C.
Award Criteria
Eligible applicants for the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award will be judged on the following:
- Staff training and motivation
- Community involvement
- Customer service
- Business strategies and goals
Community Excellence Award
The Community Excellence Award, selected by popular vote, is awarded to one Blue Ribbon Small Business that has found notable success in the eyes of its community. It is voted on by the people that know a company best—its customers, employees, and neighbors.
Voting is open to the public and takes place online between Friday, February 8 and Friday, February 22. This award is a great opportunity for our Blue Ribbon Small Businesses to maximize their exposure and get the recognition they deserve. The winner will be announced on April 30 during America's Small Business Summit.
Levels of Recognition
Blue Ribbon Small Businesses®
- One complimentary registration to attend the Summit, courtesy of Sam's Club.
- Discounted registration of $275 for any additional registrants affiliated with the company
- Recognition during the DREAM BIG Blue Ribbon Awards® Breakfast and DREAM BIG Awards Luncheon
- DREAM BIG Blue Ribbon Small Business Award Certificate
- Web sticker to display on company Web site
- Recognition in Free Enterprise magazine
Community Excellence Award Winner
- All recognitions given to the Blue Ribbon Small Businesses
- Two night hotel stay during the Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel
- Crystal award
- Award presentation on stage during the Blue Ribbon Breakfast
Regional Finalists
- All recognitions given to Blue Ribbon Small Businesses
- Two night hotel stay during the Summit at the Omni Shoreham Hotel
- Recognition on stage during Summit Awards Luncheon
- Crystal award
- Spotlight in Free Enterprise magazine
DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year
- All recognitions given to Finalists and Blue Ribbon Winners
- Acceptance speech on stage
- Special crystal award
