Small Business of the Year

The Small Business of the Year awards coincide with National Small Business Week which recognizes the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Small businesses account for approximately 85% of the Hampton Roads Chamber’s total membership and we do everything possible to ensure their success. The Small Business of the Year Awards is one of many ways we support our small business members. The Hampton Roads Chamber is the premier pro-business organization serving as an Impactful Advocate, Powerful Economic Partner, Inspiring Ignitor, and Regional Collaborator in order to set the conditions for other businesses to be successful, large and small.

2023 Small Business of the Year Award Nominations

The Hampton Roads Chamber and the Small Business Development Center of Hampton Roads are proud to provide special recognition to the Hampton Roads small business community by presenting an award to one business from each of the five Southside cities and one from the Peninsula.

One small business of these six will then be chosen as the 2023 Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business of the Year. Small businesses are the backbone of our local and national economies, representing more than 95 percent of all employers, creating three-fourths of all new jobs, and accounting for more than one-half of the nation’s gross domestic product.

For more than 30 years, the Hampton Roads Chamber has recognized one exceptional small business owner for his or her tireless work and embodiment of the spirit of enterprise.

Award Requirements

Eligibility for Small Business of the Year:

A business must meet the following requirements to receive the 2023 Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business of the Year Award:

250 employees or less as established in the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS)
Gross revenues of less than $10 million in 2022
Be in business for more than three consecutive years

Eligible applicants will be judged on the following criteria:

Financial performance and business history
Staff training and motivation
Community involvement
Customer service and satisfaction
Business plan or strategies and goals
Strategy for growth

Nominating and Judging Process:

Small businesses are encouraged to apply directly for the award. In addition, associations, financial institutions, and other companies may nominate small businesses that meet the award’s requirements. Judging is done by a committee of experts after all applications have been received.

Questions?

For more information on the 2023 Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business of the Year Awards, contact Lianna Arbitter.

Awards

The 2023 Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business of the Year Awards pays tribute to the small business community. Six finalists representing each of the five Southside cities and the Peninsula will be recognized at the awards presentation luncheon being held in May during National Small Business Week for his or her business’s accomplishments and community involvement.

At this ceremony, the overall regional winner will be announced from these candidates and will be placed in consideration for the U.S. Chamber Small Business of the Year Awards Competition.

The overall regional winner will also receive a gift packet from the Hampton Roads Chamber valued at $10,000.

Timelines / Deadlines

May 2, 2023: Hampton Roads Chamber Small Business Awards Luncheon held during National Small Business Week.
Nominations and Applications for 2023 are now closed.

Strategic Partners

Thank You To Our Strategic Partners.