Qualifications for Outstanding Business Leader

• Leader in a for-profit company with 5-250 employees.
• Companies must be headquartered in Tampa Bay (which includes Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk, counties) and have done business there for the last three years.
• Conducted business operations for three (3) complete years and were incorporated on or before January 1, 2022.

Qualifications for Companies Applying

• For-profit company with 5-250 employees.
• Companies must be headquartered in Tampa Bay (which includes Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties) and have done business there for the last three years.
• Conducted business operations for three (3) complete years and were incorporated on or before January 1, 2022.

Qualifications for Startup Companies Applying

• For-profit company with 1-250 employees.
• Companies must be headquartered in Tampa Bay (which includes Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk counties) and have done business there for at least one (1) complete year.
• Conducted business operations for at least one (1) complete year and were incorporated by January 1, 2024.
• If your company has conducted business operations for three (3) complete years and was incorporated on or before January 1, 2022, please apply for the standard award instead of this startup business award.

Judging Criteria

Judging for the Small Business of the Year Awards will be based upon the following criteria (in no particular order of importance):

1. History & philosophy (solid ethical business practices)
2. Management (business goals, planning)
3. Operational management (personnel, profitability, administrative processes)
4. Innovativeness, technology and response to adversity/economic conditions/competition
5. Leadership philosophy and community contributions (community service involvement, leadership, corporate citizenship)

Deadline

The nomination period for the 2025 SBOY Awards ends at 5pm, March 28, 2025.

The deadline has now passed, and no additional nominations will be accepted.

Nominator Information

Your contact information.

Nominee Information

Details about the company/person you are nominating.