Read on for the full list and descriptions of the 8 business achievement awards and the Small Business of the Year award. —

Note: The finalists for the 2022 Dream Big Awards have been announced! Award winners will be announced at the Dream Big Awards Ceremony, part of the CO— Start. Run. Grow. Week virtual event, on Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at 6:30pm ET. Register here. Good luck to all finalists!

To stay informed on upcoming dates for this year's awards and also be the first to learn about the 2023 Dream Big Awards, click here.

Dream Big Awards: Prizes

Small Business of the Year Award: 1 winner

The following prizes will be awarded to the winner of the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award:

  1. A $25,000 cash prize.
  2. One-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce Membership (valued at $250).
  3. Promotional video played during the award ceremony.
  4. An article on CO— featuring the winner.

Note: The award winner will be responsible for all federal, state and local taxes that may be applicable.

Business Achievement Awards: 8 winners

The following prizes will be awarded to the winner of each Business Achievement Award category:

  1. One-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership (valued at $250).
  2. Recognition and award presentation during the award ceremony.
  3. Will be featured in an article on CO—.

Dream Big Awards: Award Categories

Dream Big Small Business of the Year — $25,000 cash prize!

This award celebrates the success of one small business and honors its contributions to the growth and diversity of the American economy. This award recognizes a small business that exemplifies the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and individual initiative.

The winner will exemplify success and leadership in each of the following areas:

  • Business growth and performance.
  • Business strategies and goals.
  • Community engagement.
  • Customer and employee relation practices.
  • Innovative business strategies and practices.

All areas will be evaluated equally throughout judging process.

Emerging Business Achievement Award

This award recognizes a startup company that has attained outstanding business achievement with fewer than 25 employees and 1-3 years of full-time operation (not a buyout of an existing company).

Green/Sustainable Business Achievement Award

This award recognizes a small business that has achieved excellence in the creation and implementation of sustainable business practices, including waste and recycling programs, water stewardship, efficiency in building environment, or any other significant effort designed to limit the way a business impacts the environment.

Minority-Owned Business Achievement Award (presented by MetLife)

This award recognizes a minority-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by minority-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more U.S. residents of the following ethnic/minority groups: African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, and/or South-Asian American. The business must also have management and daily operations controlled by at least one (1) U.S. resident of a minority group.

LGBTQ-Owned Business Achievement Award

This award recognizes an LGBTQ-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by the LGBTQ-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ community (including transgender and non-binary/gender non-conforming individuals) and are U.S. residents. The business must also have management and daily operations controlled by at least one (1) LGBTQ identifying individual.

Veteran-Owned Business Achievement Award

This award recognizes a veteran-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies significant contributions made by veteran-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more U.S. veterans, as defined in 38 U.S.C. 101 (2). The business must also have management and daily operations controlled by at least one (1) U.S. veteran.

Woman-Owned Business Achievement Award

This award recognizes a women-owned small business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in the country. The business must be at least 51% owned or controlled by one or more women who are U.S. residents. The business must also have management and daily operations controlled by at least one (1) woman.

Young Entrepreneur Achievement Award

This award recognizes a small business owner, founder or co-founders, aged between 14 and 30 (as of December 31, 2022), who has/have attained outstanding business achievement.

Community Support and Leadership Award

This award recognizes a small business that has demonstrated an exemplary level of leadership and community engagement to assist the needs of its community, and to service the needs of its customers, employees and neighbors.

Questions?

Check out our FAQ here or email the Dream Big Team at dreambig@uschamber.com.

Additional Dream Big Awards information:

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CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.