Small Business Awards
About the Awards
The Small Business Awards is Montgomery’s inaugural signature event recognizing the entrepreneurs, innovators, and community builders who drive our local economy by owning a small business. Presented by Access Montgomery—the City of Montgomery’s Small Business Initiative—alongside SBOSS (Small Business One-Stop Shop) and the Montgomery County Commission, this celebration highlights the resilience, creativity, and leadership of Montgomery small businesses.
How to Nominate a Business
Community Nominations
Anyone can nominate a business by completing the nomination form and providing a valid email address for the business owner. The nominated business will receive an email notification with instructions to complete their application.
Self-Nominations
Business owners can nominate themselves by completing the same nomination form and then submitting their application for the applicable award. Self-nominations are highly encouraged.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible, businesses must:
- Be located in Montgomery County or the City of Montgomery
- Hold a valid business license (City of Montgomery, Town of Pike Road, or Montgomery County)
- Employ fewer than 500 W-2 employees (not including 1099 contractors)
- Meet any specific ownership criteria required by select award categories
Nominations are open to the public, and businesses are encouraged to self-nominate. Finalists will be selected by a judging panel made up of business owners and economic development professionals from across the country.
How To Apply
Each award category has a unique application form. Applicants should first review all award categories to determine which best align with their business. Businesses may apply to multiple categories, but can only be selected as a winner in one.
- Review Award Categories
Read through all available categories to determine which best align with your business. - Complete a Unique Application Form for Each Category
Each award has its own application. You may apply to multiple categories, but can only be selected as a winner in one.
Application Requirements
To complete your application, you must:
- Complete the application form under the category of your choosing and answer the category-specific questions
- Upload a 2–3 minute video within the same form, answering the prompts in your own words
- You may use a phone, tablet, or similar device to record your video.
The judging committee is not evaluating video production quality—they are focused on authenticity and substance.
You can save your form and return later while gathering the necessary materials. Applicants are strongly encouraged to read through the entire application before beginning. Both the written application and the video submission are required.
The written form provides detailed context, while the video brings your story and mission to life for the judges.
Award Categories & Descriptions
There are 9 award categories. Each category includes guidance on who should apply and what the judges will be looking for in successful applications. Please be sure to review each one carefully before submitting.
Business of the Year
(1–2 employees)
Founders Flame
Business of The Year
(3–5 employees)
Rising Force
Business of The Year
(6–25 employees)
Thriving Venture
Business of the Year
(26–100 employees)
Enterprise Excellence
Business of The Year
(101–500 employees)
Industry Titan
Innovative Business of the Year
Who should apply
Community Impact Award
Emerging Business of the Year
Legacy Business of the Year
Tech Business of the Year
Who should apply
Beacon Award (Financial Institutions)
Who should apply
Minority-Owned Business of the Year
Who should apply
Young Professional-Owned Business of the Year
Who should apply
