About the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award

In coordination with the American Free Enterprise. Dream Big. campaign, the awards program has been renamed the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Sam’s Club.

The Awards program is designed to honor our nation’s job creators and recognize their significant contributions as drivers of economic growth.New to the Awards program? Check out our 2010 Award Winners.

Timeline | Eligibility | Criteria | Community Excellence Award | Levels of Recognition

Awards Program Timeline

Jan. 7, 2011 – Nominations due

Jan. 14, 2011 – Applications due

March 1, 2011 – Blue Ribbon Announcement

March 1 – 11, 2011 – Community Excellence Award Voting Period

March 14, 2011 – Regional Finalists Announcement

May 23 – 25, 2011 – America’s Small Business Summit!

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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 2009

The winner of the DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award must also be able to attend America’s Small Business Summit 2011, May 23-25, in Washington, D.C.

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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

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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 Tuesday, March 1 and Friday, March 11. 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 May 24 during America’s Small Business Summit.

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Levels of Recognition

Blue Ribbon Small Businesses^®

• Discounted registration for the 2011 Summit
• 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 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

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