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Business Excellence Awards
- December 11, 2025
- 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- John C. Maxwell Leadership Center
Keynote Speaker
Darryl Stinson
Attend the Business Excellence Awards
Sponsor the Business Excellence Awards
2025 Business Excellence Award Finalists
Celebrating Gwinnett’s Boldest Business Leaders and Innovators
Recognize, connect, and elevate your business through the Gwinnett Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards—honoring business owners, founders, entrepreneurs, consultants, and service providers who launch, grow, and lead with impact in our community. Delivering recognition and visibility, this program offers high-level opportunity for those making a meaningful impact on Gwinnett’s business ecosystem.
Award Categories
Community Contributor Award
This recognition pays tribute to an organization that makes a big difference in the lives of others. Nonprofits and for-profits alike can participate in this award.
Culture Creator Award
Creating a company culture is not just for large corporations. This business is intentional by investing in the development and wellbeing of its employees.
Emerging Entrepreneur Award
These kudos will go to a young professional who is shaking up the business space. Applicants must be under 40 years of age by November 1, 2024.
Founder Award
The recipient of this award started small but thought big. This top-tier recognition will pay tribute to an entrepreneur who has reached the pinnacle of prosperity.
Launch Award
This recognition will honor a business that began no more than two years ago. Its innovative approach ensures that it’s well on its way.
Small Business Award
This small business is a standout organization. It exhibits excellence and best business practices.
By the Numbers
Three awards will be given in this category:
0 – 5 Employees6 – 24 Employees
25+ Employees
Support System Award
The success of a business is often dependent on the ecosystem that it is surrounded by. This designation honors an organization that strengthens the community’s business environment.
Veteran-Owned Business Award
The winner of this designation is someone who has not only served our country but also exemplifies what it means to be a veteran-owned business owner, demonstrating pride in their service and entrepreneurship.
Woman-Owned Business Award
This award specifically recognizes a business that is owned and operated by a woman. This award focuses on excellence and best business practices demonstrated by women entrepreneurs.
Sponsor Opportunities
Presenting Sponsor
One available
$5,000
- The program will be referred to as "Business Excellence Awards, presented (name of sponsor company).”
- Two-minute promotional announcement from representative
- Logo on all marketing collateral
- Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- Recognition in press releases
- Social media mentions
- Ten (10) seats at event
- First right of refusal following year
Principal Sponsor
Three available
$4,500
- 30-second promotional announcement from emcee
- Logo inclusion in program, signage and website
- Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- Ten (10) seats at event
- First right of refusal for following year
Corporate Sponsor
Multiple available
$2,500
- Logo on all marketing collateral
- Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table or in each seat
- Recognition in press releases
- Verbal reference at event
- Six (6) seats at event
Partner Sponsor
Multiple available
$1,500
- Logo on all marketing collateral
- Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table
- Recognition in press releases
- Verbal reference at event
- Four (4) seats at event
Leading Booth Sponsor
Multiple available
$650
- Logo on all marketing collateral
- Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table
- Two (2) seats at event
Booth Sponsor
Multiple available
$500
- Opportunity to distribute promotional materials at display table
- Two (2) seats at event
2025 Sponsors
Principal Sponsor
Corporate Sponsor
Partner Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I nominate an individual or organization?
Nominating is easy but not open right now. In the meantime, click here to check out the different award categories.
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone! You can even nominate yourself.
Can and individual or organization be nominated for multiple awards?
Absolutely! You will need to submit a separate nomination for each award.
Are nominations confidential?
Yes, they are.
When is the nomination deadline?
August 5 at midnight.
How will nominees be notified?
They will be sent an email.
Is there an application process?
Yes, the notification will ask the nominee to complete a brief application.
When is the application deadline?
September 9 at midnight.
Is there a fee to apply?
There is no fee to apply.
What happens after an application has been submitted?
A confidential selections committee reviews and scores it.
Do I need to have multiple people nominate my organization?
No, one nomination is sufficient. Scoring is based on the application solely, not on the number of nominations.
Submit your quick application to be considered.
What criteria is scoring based from?
Scoring criteria directly aligns with the questions on the application.
How will finalists be notified?
All finalists will be notified by email.
Will there be any finalists?
Yes, based on scores from the selections committee finalists will be determined.
When will they be notified?
November 1.
When/where will winners be announced?
Winners will be unveiled at the Small Business Awards ceremony held on December 6 at the John C. Maxwell Leadership Center.
How do I register to attend?
What is the attire?
Business professional.
Do I have to be a Chamber member to participate?
Although we would love to have you as a member, that is not what this event is about. We are excited to recognize our small business community, members and non-members alike. However, if you would like to take part in the valuable content and connections that membership provides, click here for more information.
Can I register onsite?
It is recommended that you register in advance to guarantee a seat.
For Details and Questions
Contact Kelly Martin
Manager, Programs & Events
Pictures, Past Winners & More
December 6, 2024
Gwinnett Chamber Announces 2024 Small Business Award Winners
December 1, 2023
Gwinnett Chamber Announces 2023 Small Business Award Winners
December 8, 2022
Gwinnett Chamber Announces 2022 Small Business Award Winners
November 3, 2021