Innovator of the Year - Industry Appreciation Awards

The Innovator of the Year award recognizes a local business that develops innovative advanced technologies in its own business or in its industry and has had a positive economic impact in Lee County.

Applications for the Innovator of the Year award are now closed.

Please complete the nomination form below and submit prior to July 15, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

You may download a PDF version of the application via the button below. Please note that all applications must be submitted online via the form below. No paper applications will be accepted.

Step 1 of 4

Business Information

Business Name(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Phone(Required)

Website(Required)

Year Established(Required)

Type of Business(Required)

Main Product(s) and/or Service(s)(Required)

Business Owner Information

Company Owner / Principal Name(Required)

Title(Required)

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Social Media Accounts

Facebook

Instagram

Other

Geographical Information

What percentage of current business comes from the following geographical areas?

Fort Myers(Required)

Estero(Required)

Bonita Springs(Required)

Lehigh Acres(Required)

Cape Coral(Required)

Dunbar(Required)

The Islands(Required)

Outside Lee County(Required)

North Fort Myers(Required)

International(Required)

Client / Customer References

List two current or former clients / customers that we may contact.

Business / Client Name(Required)

Contact Person(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Business / Client Name(Required)

Contact Person(Required)

Address(Required)

Street Address City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code

Email(Required)

Phone(Required)

Person Completing Application

Name(Required)

Title and Company(Required)

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Judging Elements

Judging for the Innovator of the Year Award will be based in part upon the following sections. Provide a brief narrative of 250 words or less under each judging element using quantifiable examples and information.

History and Philosophy
Sound Business Strategies and Practices
Market Awareness
Unique and Innovative Approaches
Additional Information

History and Philosophy(Required)

Provide a synopsis of the company, including but not limited to, its history and products and/or services offered. What differentiates the business from others in the industry? What attributes is the company most proud of? What do you attribute the success of the business to? Describe the company’s relationship with Lee County’s business community and/or community at large.

Sound Business Strategies and Practices(Required)

Describe the company’s strategic vision and management practices. How are administrative processes managed (i.e. payables, receivables, collections and cash management)? How do those strategies and practices set the business apart from others in the industry? If applicable, describe the approach to customer service, both internal and external.

Market Awareness(Required)

Explain the markets your company serves and how those markets are defined. Briefly describe your marketing strategy. How do you use social media to get customers? Why do customers buy these products or services? If applicable, wherein the product life cycle is your product? What quality improvement programs for products and/or services has the company implemented?

Unique and Innovative Approaches(Required)

Tell us about your products and services and how they differentiate from competitors. Describe innovation or creativity used in product and/or service development, marketing, etc. How is this different from others in the industry?

Additional Information(Required)

Offer any additional information as to why you believe this organization should win the Innovator of the Year Award. List any applicable awards/recognitions the business has received.

Business Information

Business Owner Information

Social Media Accounts

Geographical Information

Employee Benefits

Client / Customer References

Person Completing Application

Judging Elements