The tradition of recognizing outstanding small businesses dates back to 1963 when President John F. Kennedy initiated National Small Business Week (NSBW) to honor top entrepreneurs across the nation. During National Small Business Week, the Denton Chamber of Commerce honors and celebrates our small businesses as the heart and soul of our business community and as drivers of our local economy.

This is a community-wide event in which all businesses may participate and all community members may submit nominations for the Denton Small Business Awards.

 
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NOMINATE A SMALL BUSINESS

Are Denton’s small businesses doing exceptional work, contributing to our community, elevating our city, and making our lives just a little bit better? Nominate them for a Small Business Award!

become a sponsor

Want to sponsor an event during National Small Business Week? We're looking for sponsors to help us celebrate our local entrepreneurs. Contact us to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

ATTEND THE MIXER

Don’t miss the Small Business Awards Mixer where we announce the group of finalists for each of the Small Business Awards. Come out and show your support for the deserving nominees!

ATTEND the AWARDS LUNCHEON

Join us in celebrating our Small Business Award winners! The winners will be announced and their awards will be presented at this luncheon. This event is open to everyone in the community.

 

additional sponsors

nominate a business

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nominate a business 〰️

 

SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARDS

  • The Small Business of the Year Award is given to a for-profit, Chamber Member business that demonstrates leadership within its industry, is an active participant in the community, and has exhibited success in their field. The nominee must have been in business for more than three consecutive years and have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

  • The New Small Business of the Year Award is given to a for-profit, new business that began operating starting January 1 of the previous year to now, and has gained an expanding positive reputation. This business is committed to long-term success in the Denton business community. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

  • The Small Business, Big Heart of the Year Award is given to a for-profit business for its outstanding community service contributions such as special programs, partnerships, in-kind support of goods and services, employee volunteerism, or other activities that have resulted in a positive impact on the Denton community. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

  • The Family-Owned Small Business of the Year Award is given to a for-profit, family-owned and operated business. The owner must also serve as majority (51% or more) owner/operator or bear principal responsibility for operating the small business. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

  • The Diverse-Owned Small Business of the Year Award is given to a for-profit, majority (51% or more) diverse-owned business that demonstrates significant growth, job creation, and sustainability in their business and has made impactful contributions which have positively influenced the Denton community. Includes minority-owned, disabled-owned, veteran-owned, and LGBTQ-owned businesses. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

  • The Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Award is given to a for-profit, majority (51% or more) woman-owned business that demonstrates significant growth, job creation, and sustainability in their business and has made impactful contributions which have positively influenced the Denton community. Nominees must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

 

small business week

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS, may 5 - 9

Monday, May 5: Mayoral Proclamation & Ribbon Cutting

Tuesday, May 6: $100 Small Business Challenge Day

Wednesday, May 7: Wake Up Wednesday

Thursday, May 8: Small Business Social Media Blitz

Friday, May 9: Small Business Awards Luncheon