Black businesses should be saluted, pointed out, and awarded for all to know and see. These are the reasons why Black Enterprise is calling for entries to its annual Small Business Awards at BE’s 2015 Entrepreneurs Summit, taking place May 13-16, at Atlanta, GA’s Hyatt Regency Hotel. Hosted by Nationwide, 2015’s summit and small business awards continue BE’s 20 year tradition of recognizing and uplifting entrepreneurs who creatively push and strategically strive around the difficulties of surviving in today’s business environment.
This year’s event seeks companies and owners that have found profitable markets, created new products, and effectively revamped strategies for achieving sales. Those who win, receive precious press and approval all businesses need. Also acknowledging those who make it to the nomination round, nominees receive mentions in Black Enterprise’s print or digital platforms, recognition at the Entrepreneur’s Summit Awards Luncheon, while the grand prize winner will win Black Enterprise’s coveted Small Business Award.
Entries are open for a multitude of categories diversifying fields and demographics, like the Techpreneur Award. Won in 2014 by CEO of The Resumater, Don Charlton, the Silicon Award recognizes those creating new age tech products or thriving in the digital world. The Family Business of the Year award, won last year by Sky Gourmet Taco’s Sky Burrell, spotlights successes made by relatives combining family force. Business minded young people under 19 can be like Mo’s Bows winner Moziah Bridges, 2014’s winner of the Teenpreneur Award. And franchises leaders, like Karim Webb whose company Buffalo Wild Wings took the 2014 Franchise Company of the Year award, are being sought to enter. A new category added this year is the Community Pillar of the Year Award, which goes to an entrepreneur whose company’s products or services has enriched people’s lives and who is committed to building both his or her brand and community.
With the exception of the Entrepreneur’s award, companies should be independently owned with at least three employees, 51% black owned, generating revenue of at least $250,000, and be at least two years old with revenue made in the past two years which can include raising capital from venture capitalists or private equity investors.
The deadline to enter Black Enterprise’s Small Business Awards is March 31, 2015.
The 2015 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Summit hosted by Nationwide, May 13-16, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Expect innovative sessions, high-powered speakers, and an early peek at the products, trends, and services you’ll need to stay ahead of the curve. Be sure to enter our Elevator Pitch Competition to qualify for the $10,000 grand prize. To register and find out more, visit www.blackenterprise.com/es/. Join us at the Entrepreneurs Summit, Where Innovation and Capital Meet.