From eligibility to application tips, read on for our full list of FAQs pertaining to the Dream Big Awards. —

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is eligible to apply to the Dream Big Awards program?

A: A business must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award or a Business Achievement Award:

  • For-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the United States.
  • Have less than 250 employees OR gross revenues of less than $20 million for each of 2020 and 2021.

Q: How much is the application fee?

A: There is no fee to apply!

Q: How are businesses entered into the Dream Big Awards program?

A: A business must fill out an application in order to enter. Chambers of commerce and trade associations are encouraged to refer businesses to the program. However, the business itself must submit an application for the Dream Big Awards program to be considered.

Q: When is the deadline to submit a referral for the 2022 Dream Big Awards program?

A: All referrals must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, June 17, 2022.

Q: When is the deadline to submit an application for the 2022 Dream Big Awards program?

A: All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, July 8, 2022.

Q: My sales decreased from 2020 to 2021. Will my application still be considered? Should I still apply?

A: Yes! You should still apply. In your application, be sure to address the sales figures you reported and outline your business plan or strategies for growth in 2022 and beyond.

Q: How can I strengthen my application?

A: A strong application will draw a clear and concise picture of how the business was started, what makes it unique, and how it has overcome challenges. Make sure your completed application clearly describes your business’s relationship with its community, customers and employees. Submitting additional materials—such as your business plan—can strengthen your application and help us get to know your business, but they are not required.

Q: May I submit additional materials to support my application?

A: Yes, you may submit additional materials to support your application. Previous submissions have included copies of paid or earned media, photos of your workplace, media features and examples of community engagement. To ensure they are reviewed with your application, supporting materials must be uploaded to your online form.

Q: What is accepted as a statement of revenue?

A: We will accept a letter stating your company’s sales in 2020 and 2021 signed by both your president/CEO and your accountant OR a copy of the first page of your company’s tax return (such as an 1120 form). Do NOT submit your company’s entire tax return.  While your statement of revenue is not required to submit your application, if you are chosen as a finalist, you will be required to submit.

Q: How can I save my answers so that I can work on my application later?

A: After creating a user profile and before submitting your final application, answers will be saved automatically so you can revisit or edit any previous responses.

Q: What is my U.S. Chamber member number?

A: Please call Customer Service at (800) 638-6582 for your member number.

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.