2026 Small Business Person of the Year

Since 1985, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has been recognizing this award. The Small Business Person of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding small business leader who has demonstrated exceptional growth, innovation, and commitment to the community. This award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the local economy, displayed entrepreneurial excellence, and exemplified strong leadership within their industry and beyond.

Criteria:

Ownership: Individual must be the sole owner and operate or bear principal responsibility for operating a for-profit company with 100 employees or less that has been in business for 3+ years.
Growth: Business has experienced recent growth in sales, investments and number of employees.
Chamber: Nominee's business must be a partner in good standing with the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.
Community: Individual has made significant contributions of community-oriented projects via time, financial support, or resources.
Only 1 nominee. Dual nominees will not be accepted.
Nominee should be available to attend May 12th Excellence Awards Luncheon from 11:00am - 1:30pm

Question Title

* 1. General Information

Nominee's Name

Nominee's Title

Nominee's Business/Organization (Place of Employment)

Nominee's Email

Nominee's Contact Phone Number

Nomination Submitted By

Nominator's Business/Organization (Place of Employment)

Nominator's Email

Nominator's Contact Phone Number

Question Title

* 2. Please complete the questions below on a Word document and then use the Choose File option to upload your document. Be sure to # the answers to correspond to the questions below.

1. Elaborate on business growth and include accomplishments such as special recognitions or projects. Include business-related affiliations, directorships, trustees or other designations.

2. Highlight community service, charitable activities, associations, etc. the nominee is involved with. If applicable, include offices with dates held.

3. Include a listing of the individual's activity with the Chamber. Involvement with the Chamber and its initiatives taken into consideration during evaluation. *You are welcome to contact the Chamber for assistance with individual involvement.

2026 Small Business Person of the Year

Question Title

* 1. General Information

Question Title

Question Title

* 3. Upload ResumeResumes may be attached as a supporting document but will not be accepted in place of a completed nomination form.

* 3. Upload Resume

Resumes may be attached as a supporting document but will not be accepted in place of a completed nomination form.