2018 King County Executives Small Business Awards Nomination Form

Nominate a small business for the 2018 award by completing the fields below. Nominations must be received by August 13, 2018. The nominee must meet the following requirement:

Be located in King County
Have 50 or fewer employees
Be a for-profit business in operation for at least 3 years
All past winners and 2017 finalists are ineligible for nomination

Questions? Contact opportunity@kingcounty.gov

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1. Enter the contact information for the business you are nominating here

Business Name:

Website:

Address:

City/Town:

ZIP

Year Company Established:

Number of Full-Time Equivalent Employee:

Contact Person:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

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2. You may select one from the following nomination categories. (please complete a separate nomination form if you would like to nominate a business for more than one category.)

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: The U.S. Census Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 71,070 non-farm firms with employees in King County during 2010, and 95% of these had 50 or fewer employees. The challenges to operating a small business are infinite and often daunting, but the collective contributions of small businesses are vital to the diversity and growth of the county's economy. On behalf of all small businesses throughout the county, this award is given to the small business that best exemplifies the tenacity, perspicacity, and audacity it takes to successfully operate a small business.

MINORITY SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: The U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 Survey of Business Owners showed that minority-owned businesses accounted for 21.3% of all non-farm U.S. businesses. King County’s percentage of minority-owned businesses was over 13%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the minority-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by minority-owned businesses in King County.

WOMEN SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: The U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 Survey of Business Owners showed that women-owned businesses accounted for 28.7% of all non-farm U.S. businesses. King County had the 14th highest percentage among all U.S. counties for women-owned businesses at 29%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the woman-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in King County.

EXPORTING SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: Economies grow through trade, by exporting their products and services globally. This brings in income which allows wages to rise and the tax base for critical public infrastructure and services to grow. Consistent with the President's National Export Initiative to double our nation's exports in five years, this award recognizes the small business that has achieved significant increased international sales through existing and/or new international markets.

GREEN / SUSTAINABLE SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: King County is a hotbed of innovation in the field of sustainability and has a rich history of environmental stewardship. This award recognizes the small business that has achieved excellence in the creation and implementation of sustainable business practices. Practices include waste and recycling programs, water stewardship, energy management, efficiency in the built environment, or any other significant effort designed to limit the way a business impacts our local environment.

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: A skilled workforce is vital to the growth of businesses and our economy. This award recognizes the small business with outstanding practices in hiring, retaining, and developing the skills of its workers. Practices include on-the-job training or support for ongoing skill development; partnerships with other businesses, education institutions, community organizations or government agencies; internships, mentorships or other practices that allow young people to learn about and gain skills in the business/industry; or other practices that demonstrate effective and innovative hiring, retention and training.

RURAL SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR: The rural economy is an important link to the urban area and provides opportunities for residents to both live and work in the rural area. The King County Strategic Plan supports rural economic development that maintains the character of the rural area. This award recognizes the small business that has achieved excellence in one of the traditional rural industry clusters - agriculture, forestry, equine, home-based, or other.

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3. Please inform our judges of your firm’s impact for this award category on the following items: (1) Business’s impact on employment e.g. number of new hires, empowerment of employees, training and growth opportunities, diverse workforce; (2) Does your firm participate in community activities and/or volunteer in other ways? (3) State any other reasons why you feel this business is deserving of recognition. (750 words max)