Maryland SBA Calling for AWARD NOMINEES!

Know a Biz Whiz? Nominate Them!

2010 Maryland Small Business Week Awards Program

BALTIMORE—The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Baltimore District Office is now accepting nominations for the successful small businessman or woman who might become Maryland’s “Small Business Person of the Year” for 2010 and then compete for the national title during National Small Business Week. Nominees are also sought for SBA’s Champion and Special Award categories. The deadline for nomination submissions is Friday, November 20, 2009.

This is an excellent opportunity to promote your own business, a client or even an employee. It’s your chance to be recognized for all of your hard work and entrepreneurial spirit. Both the nominator and nominee receive recognition through this awards program. Who can’t use some free publicity these days?

Small Business Person of the Year nominees will be judged on a variety of criteria, including staying power, growth in employment and sales, innovation of product or service and evidence of contributions to the community. Small Business Champion awards are presented to persons who have used their professional or personal talents to further the public’s understanding and awareness of small business. Candidates must have taken an active role in creating opportunities to promote the interests of small business. Champion award categories include: Financial Services, Home-Based Business, Community/Rural Lender, Minority, Veteran and Women. Special award categories include the Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business award, Entrepreneurial Success, Small Business Exporter, Young Entrepreneur and a local award, the Accountant Champion award.

Nominations can be made by an individual or an organization. The Maryland program accepts nominations for individuals or businesses operating within the City of Baltimore and all Maryland counties, with the exception of Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. All nominations must be received by the SBA Baltimore District Office no later than Friday, November 20, 2009. To obtain nomination criteria and submission guidelines, visit us on the web at www.sba.gov/md or contact Rachel Howard at (410) 962-6195, Ext. 330 or by email at rachel.howard@sba.gov.