Don’t miss the opportunity to nominate yourself or someone you know who embodies the BLACK ENTERPRISE entrepreneurial spirit. Call for entries are now open for two highly anticipated annual events, the Black Enterprise Small Business Awards and the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference Elevator Pitch Competition, respectively. Each year, Black Enterprise seeks out  entrepreneurs who have what it takes to cultivate a idea into a viable business and to t hen grow that small a small company into to sizeable and profitable enterprise.
Now in its 19th year, the Black Enterprise Small Business Awards honors African American entrepreneurs who demonstrate
the tenacity and strategic thinking needed to thrive in the midst of adversity. The winners of the Small Business Awards will be announced at the Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo (May 14-17, 2014, Hyatt Regency, Columbus, Ohio), hosted by Nationwide Insurance, during a special awards luncheon on May 15.TDJ Enterprises’ CEO T.D. Jakes will serve as the featured headliner at this year’s Small Business Awards Luncheon. Jakes will also hold a major book signing event for his highly anticipated new book Instinct: The Power to Unleash Your Unborn Drive, in the Deal Makers Expo.
Highly sought after
nominees are companies and individuals who bring new products to the forefront, redefining sales strategies, and discovering new and profitable markets. Nominations are being solicited for awards in the following categories:
Innovator of the Year-This award is given to the business flourishing in an innovative industry or those approaching business/entrepreneurship in a groundbreaking manner via their products and/or services.
Family Business of the Year -This award is presented to a family-operated business (includes husband-and-wife business owners) that exemplifies the combined experience and expertise needed to excel in a key industry.
Franchise Owner of the Year- This award is presented to a franchisee for outstanding performance and overall contribution in enhancing the growth and development of the franchising industry.
Teenpreneur of the Year – This award recognizes entrepreneurs, age 19 or under, committed to the tradition of black business achievement.
All entries and nominations for the Black Enterprise Small Business Awards must be received by March 31, 2014. To enter and for nomination requirements, visit BlackEnterprise.com/ec and click “Awards.â€
Entries are also being solicited for the 2014 Entrepreneurs Conference Elevator Pitch Competition. Once again, Black Enterprise is soliciting video submissions of business pitches from entrepreneurs across the nation. Those pitches will be evaluated by a panel of Black Enterprise small business content leaders to identify the top finalists.
The top 10 finalists will be invited to the Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo to pitch their idea before a live audience to a panel of judges, including private investors and celebrity entrepreneurs. The grand prize for the best business pitch is $10,000.
All Elevator Pitch Competition entries must be received through video submissions by March 31, 2014. To enter, and for official contest and on-site competition rules, go to BlackEnterprise.com/ec and click “Elevator Pitch.â€