Small Business of the Year - Industry Appreciation Awards

The Small Business of the Year award recognizes a Lee County company that has up to 50 employees and has been in business for at least 6 years under the same corporate name and ownership. The company must offer high-quality products and services, provide superior customer service, demonstrate strong ethical standards, be community-minded, actively support employee development, and exhibit exemplary leadership within its industry and with its clients, contributing to the economic growth and free enterprise of Lee County.

Applications for the Small Business of the Year award are now open.

Please complete the application form below and submit prior to June 30, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

You may download the application template as a word document via the button below. We strongly recommend you complete your application using this template and when you are ready, submit all of your responses in the online application all at once. Please note that all applications must be submitted online via the form below. No paper applications will be accepted.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION TEMPLATE

Step 1 of 4

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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

Twitter

Other

Geographical Information

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

Fort Myers(Required)

Bonita Springs(Required)

Cape Coral(Required)

North Fort Myers(Required)

The Islands(Required)

Estero(Required)

Lehigh Acres(Required)

Dunbar(Required)

Outside Lee County(Required)

International(Required)

Employee Benefits

In the sections below, check all that are offered

Employee Relations(Required)

Benefits

Dental Insurance

Sick Time

Cafeteria Plan

Employee Assistance

Profit Sharing Programs

Health Insurance

Disability Insurance

Flexible Work Schedule

Stock Option

Policy/Employee Handbook

Life Insurance

Personal Time

401(k)

Company Car

Supplied PPE

Work From Home

Other

Other(Required)

Training and Empowerment(Required)

Leadership Training

Company Loans

Reimbursement

Tuition Reimbursement

Team Bonus

Continuing Education

Certificate Training

Customer Relations Training

Computer Training

Skill Set Training

Diversity/Sensitivity Training

Other

Other(Required)

Personnel Benefits(Required)

Loan Forgiveness Program

Personal Concierge Service for Employees

Employee Recognition Programs

On-site Daycare Services

Time Off for Community Service

Other

Other(Required)

Client / Customer References

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

Business / Client Name (1)(Required)

Contact Person(Required)

Address(Required)

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

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Business / Client Name (2)(Required)

Contact Person(Required)

Address(Required)

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

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Person Completing Application

Name(Required)

First

Title and Company(Required)

Phone(Required)

Email(Required)

Judging Elements

Judging for the Small Business 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
Business Challenges
Unique and Innovative Approaches
Community Involvement and Contributions
Employee Relations
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?

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? Include metrics and statistics demonstrating strong business operations and the underlying strength of the company, including relevant financial information and growth projections. If applicable, describe the approach to customer service, both internal and external.

Business Challenges(Required)

Describe challenges the business has faced and how they have been addressed. What is the biggest competitive threat and the plan to overcome this? What is the biggest challenge in keeping growth momentum and the strategy to maintain growth? Describe plans for the company’s future.

Unique and Innovative Approaches(Required)

Describe innovation or creativity used in product and/or service development, marketing, etc. How is this different from others in the industry?

Community Involvement and Contributions(Required)

Describe the company’s relationship with the Lee County community at large, community involvement, recognition and corporate citizenship efforts.

Employee Relations(Required)

How are employees’ professional and personal growth goals fostered? How are employees motivated?

Additional Information(Required)

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

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