2013 King County Executive's Small Business Awards

Event Information

• Be located in King County
• Have 50 or fewer full-time equivalent employees
• Be a for-profit business in operation for at least 3 years
• Winner and finalists from previous years are ineligible

• A business may self-nominate or be nominated by a chamber of commerce, a city, or a business organization.
• A business may be nominated in more than one category, but will need to complete a separate nomination form for each category.
• Finalists will be announced on the website on August 26.
• Businesses selected as finalists are expected to have a representative attend the breakfast event on Wednesday, September 25.

2013 Award Categories

Small Business of the Year

The US Census Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 71,070 non-farm firms with employees in King County during 2010, and 95% of these had 50 or fewer employees. The challenges to operating a small business are infinite and often daunting, but the collective contributions of small businesses are vital to the diversity and growth of the county's economy. On behalf of all small businesses throughout the county, this award will be given to the small business that best exemplifies the tenacity, perspicacity, and audacity it takes to successfully operate a small business. 

Minority Small Business of the Year

The US Census Bureau’s 2007 Survey of Business Owners (the latest data available) reported that minority-owned businesses accounted for 21.3% of all non-farm US businesses. King County’s percentage of minority-owned businesses was over 13%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the minority-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by minority-owned businesses in King County.

Woman Small Business of the Year

The US Census Bureau’s 2007 Survey of Business Owners (the latest data available) reported that women-owned businesses accounted for 28.7% of all non-farm US businesses. King County had the 14^th highest percentage among all US counties for women-owned businesses at 29%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the woman-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in King County.

Exporting Small Business of the Year

Economies grow through trade, by exporting their products and services globally. This brings in income which allows wages to rise and the tax base for critical public infrastructure and services to grow. Consistent with the President's National Export Initiative to double our nation's exports in five years, this award recognizes the small business that has achieved significant increased international sales through existing and/or new international markets.

Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year

King County is a hotbed of innovation in the field of sustainability and has a rich history of environmental stewardship. This award recognizes the small business that has achieved excellence in the creation and implementation of sustainable business practices. Practices include waste and recycling programs, water stewardship, energy management, efficiency in the built environment, or any other significant effort designed to limit the way a business impacts our local environment.

Workforce Development Small Business of the Year

A skilled workforce is vital to the growth of businesses and our economy. This award recognizes the small business with outstanding practices in hiring, retaining, and developing the skills of its workers. Practices include on-the-job training or support for ongoing skill development; partnerships with other businesses, education institutions, community organizations or government agencies; internships, mentorships or other practices that allow young people to learn about and gain skills in the business/industry; or other practices that demonstrate effective and innovative hiring, retention and training.

Rural Small Business of the Year