Women’s Business Center Awards

Women’s Business Center Awards 2021 Nomination Criteria

Each nomination category will be evaluated on their performance in the criteria listed.

California Capital FDC and the Women’s Business Center (Sponsor) will not be responsible for incomplete, lost, late, misdirected, or illegible entries. Entries that do not comply with the provisions of these Official Rules will be disqualified. All entries become property of Sponsor and none will be returned. Sponsor reserves the right to disqualify any entry that is alleged to infringe on any third party’s intellectual property rights, or that Sponsor, in its sole discretion, deems obscene, offensive or otherwise inappropriate for viewing by a general audience. By entering, you agree to receive emails from Sponsor or those directed by Sponsor. You can opt out of the receipt of such emails by following the directions on the Contest website or in any email received from Sponsor. 

Note that you can nominate your own business! 

Award Categories

Start-Up Small Business/Entrepreneur of the Year

Any individual(s) who founded, owns, and operates a business with 5 or fewer employees (including the owners). Partners who jointly own and operate the business may be nominated as a “team”, so long as the number of individuals in the team does not exceed four. Small business needs to have received assistance through Women’s Business Center programs or as a client of one of our California Capital Financial Development Corporation technical service providers and have at least a 1-year in business. Nominees can provide:

• Growth in net worth, sales and number of employees over the period the business has been open
• Contributions to the community.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
• Explain Business Challenges you have overcome

Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year

Any individual(s) who owns at least 51% and operates a small business and is a veteran of the U.S. armed forces may be nominated. Small business needs to have received assistance through Women’s Business Center programs or as a client of one of our California Capital Financial Development Corporation technical service providers. Nominees for this category has been in business for at 1 year and can provide:

• Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, and profits.
• Increased employment opportunities.
• Development and utilization of innovative or creative business methods.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial potential for long-term success.
• Explain Business Challenges overcome

Community Engagement Champion of the Year

Any small business or non-profit that has been actively engaged with participating and empowering the local community. Small business needs to have received assistance through Women’s Business Center programs or as a client of one of our California Capital Financial Development Corporation technical service providers. A nominee in this category has been in business for a minimum if 2 years and can provide:

• Evidence of success measured by sales, growth, and profits
• Increased community involvement Activities
• Quantify the business community reach
• List all community engagement accomplishments/Partnerships.
• Explain Business Challenges overcome

Sustainable Business Enterprise of the Year

Any Individual or founder that has been able to assist with building local economies with sustainable practices and/or technology. Business should demonstrate the entrepreneurial potential necessary for long-term business success and economic growth. Small business needs to have received assistance through Women’s Business Center programs or as a client of one of our California Capital Financial Development Corporation technical service providers. Must have been in business for over 3 years. Nominees in this category must be able to provide:

• Evidence of success as measured by sales, growth, and profits
• Business Concept and Sustainability Practices
• Engaged in local sourcing of business supply chain where applicable
• Explain Business Challenges overcome

Business Expansion of the Enterprise Year

Any entrepreneur or other small business that has expanded in size, revenue, and overall economic impact in an industry. Small business needs to have received assistance through Women’s Business Center programs or as a client of one of our California Capital Financial Development Corporation technical service providers. Nominees in this category need to have been in business for over 2 years and be able to provide:

• Demonstrate marked economic growth
• Provide proof of expanded product or service offerings
• Evidence of consistent expansion for over the period of 12 consecutive months
• Explain Business Challenges overcome

Small Business Innovator of the Year

Any Individual or founder leading and offering exceptional products and/or services, and the contributions they make to the U.S. economy. These individuals and small businesses in the consumer technology industry demonstrate innovation, dedication to the industry, community outreach and the tenacity to persevere through business and economic challenges. Small business needs to have received assistance through Women’s Business Center programs or as a client of one of our California Capital Financial Development Corporation technical service providers. Nominees in this category need to have been in business for over 6 months and be able to provide:

• Evidence of success measured by sales, growth, and profits
• Explain innovative process or service
• Give examples of how your business provides social impact
• Explain Business Challenges overcome