Guide to Small Business Award Programs and Contests

Earning recognition from reputable organizations can boost your corporate image

By Jennifer Baljko, Freelance Writer and Editor

1. Provide recognition for outstanding service, innovative product development or community contributions
2. Strengthen your business' credibility
3. Create an opportunity to put out a press release to local newspapers
4. Build name recognition among potential new customers.

There are plenty of awards that may be worth applying for, but here are ones geared to small businesses:

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Apply for corporate awards

Many corporations or institutions have established awards, contests or innovation-recognition programs to acknowledge small business initiatives.

I recommend: Dell and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), for example, offer the Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award program, which honors small businesses that use information technology in their business practices to improve customer experiences. Additionally, the International Academy of the Visual Arts sponsors the International Davey Awards to distinguish creative excellence among smaller media, advertising and marketing firms.

Apply for professional association awards

Many professional organizations have an annual award that recognizes the leadership, entrepreneurship or commitment of one of its members.

I recommend: The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce both offer such programs.

Apply for government awards

Given the importance small businesses play in the U.S. economy, it's no surprise that that federal and state organizations would want to recognize the movers and shakers in this segment.

I recommend: The Small Business Association offers a variety of awards and helps coordinate one of the more lucrative research and development grant programs — the Small Business Innovation Research program. In conjunction with the National Compliance Advisory Panel, the National Steering Committee, which represents the nationwide Small Business Ombudsman/Small Business Assistance Programs, has established the Small Business Recognition Awards to mark environmental achievements, stewardship and leadership.

Get recognized by the media

Magazines and newspapers also have some sort of annual 'top companies' list. Although it's tough to get on these lists because of strict editorial criteria, if you do earn a spot, they come with automatic publicity.

I recommend: Inc. Magazine puts out a top 500 list yearly. Read about the application and selection process. Forbes also has a Top 200 small business list that runs annually but the editors make the picks.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Local civic organizations, professional associations or city and state agencies may also have awards that honor businesses for their 'corporate citizenship.'