SBA seeks nominees for small-business award

The U.S. Small Business Administra-tion is seeking nominations of individuals from each state who could be named the 2002 Small-Business Person of the Year. According to an SBA news release, recognizing contributions of small-business persons and advocates is the highlight of each annual National Small Business Week, which will take place in late spring 2002.

Business owners named Small-Business Person of the Year for each of the 50 states will travel to the nation's capital for a series of events in their honor. One of the state winners also will be chosen as the national Small-Business Person of the Year.

For the state competitions, eligible individuals must meet specific criteria, including staying power, growth in employment, increase in sales/unit volume, innovation, response to adversity and evidence of contributions to the community.

The SBA also is accepting nominations for advocate awards, which are presented to individuals who have used professional or personal skills to further public understanding and awareness of small business, the release stated. Candidates for those awards must have taken an active role in the creation of opportunities to promote the interests of small business. Advocate categories include women in business, minority, veteran, accountant, financial services and media. An advocate winner may or may not be an entrepreneur.

All area nominations must be turned in to the Springfield SBA office at 620 S. Glenstone, Ste. 110 by Nov. 9. Additional information is available by calling Janice Bowman at the local SBA branch office.

(The preceding article originally appeared in the Oct. 17 issue of the SBJ Daily Update, a special e-mail publication for subscribers only.)