Veteran Small Business of the Year Award Application

Congratulations!

You have been nominated to be the Virginia SBDC Network Veteran Small Business of the Year award. To qualify for this prestigious award, please review the eligibility guidelines and complete the application below. Should you have questions, contact Tom Tanner at ttanner@roanokesmallbusiness.org

Overview

The mission of Virginia Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Network is to grow Virginia’s economy through the success of small businesses. From the Federal mandate of the Veteran’s Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999, Public Law 106-50, plus a deep sense of indebtedness to all veterans, Virginia SBDC Network continues to seek out veterans for business assistance. The Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of this special group of entrepreneurs.

Objectives

The Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year Award was developed to:

Recognize Virginia veterans who have made a significant contribution to the economy through ownership in a small business.
Recognize veterans who have made a significant difference in their communities by promoting a sense of duty, volunteerism, and an appreciation of country, democracy, and freedom.

Eligibility

Eligibility (Any Veteran who):

Possesses a DD214 (copy to be included in the application). If you don’t have a DD214 click here for how to get one.
Currently owns at least 51% of a Virginia-based for-profit business.
Has owned at least 51% of a for-profit business for at least one year in the past.
Is living in Virginia at the time of their nomination and award.
Is not a past winner of the Veteran Small Business of the Year Award

Publicity Release Form

Please fill out this publicity release form and include a signed copy with your application. Download the form here.

Please Note

All nominating material becomes the property of Virginia SBDC Network, and they will not be returned
Veterans may be nominated more than once, but past winners cannot be nominated again

Application

All fields are required unless otherwise specified. Please have all required documents and information ready for submission before starting the application - the application must be completed once you start. You cannot save your progress.

Name *

First

Last

Business Name *

Business Address *

Address Line 1

City

State

Zip Code

Is your business a for-profit business (Choose one) *

Yes
No (If no, you are not qualified)

Date(s) of Ownership *

Ownership % (must be at least 51% to qualify) *

Best Contact Number *

Best Contact Email *

Business Website *

Previously Owned Businesses *

Dates of Ownership *

Number of Employees *

Describe your business(s) that you own in Virginia: *

Advocacy

Advocacy via Community Organizations (Maximum 20 points) *

Please describe how you advocate for you and your staff and/or are personally engaged in veteran’s organizations. Specifically, please demonstrate the degree to which you support the needs of the Veteran community through volunteerism and leadership. Describe in detail what veteran organizations you volunteer for and include positions held, length of time, and any special accomplishments achieved. Also describe what you do to encourage your employees to volunteer.

Advocacy via Veterans Organizations (Maximum 20 points) *

Please describe how you advocate for you and your staff and/or are personally engaged in non-veteran organizations. Specifically, please demonstrate the degree to which you support the needs of your community through volunteerism and leadership. In this section, describe in detail what non-veteran organizations you volunteer for to support the needs of your community. Please include positions held, length of time, and any special accomplishments achieved. Also describe what you do to encourage your employees to volunteer.

Mentoring (Maximum 30 points) *

Please list any mentoring, teaching, or training of business owners, youth, interns, or apprentices to grow your business or industry. Specifically, please demonstrate the degree to which you are engaged in preparing other Veterans to own businesses.

Business Leadership (Maximum 30 points) *

Please describe your role in local, state, national, or international organizations. Specifically, please describe your role in advancing the economy.

Other (copy)

Please list any other reasons why you should be selected to receive the Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year.

Required Documentation:

• Upload your DD214 (mark through SSN). • Upload signed copy of the Publicity Release form granting permission to use the information for promotional purposes.

Upload your DD214 (mark through SSN) *