2012 King County Executive Small Business Awards

Save the Date - King County Executive Dow Constantine will host the second annual King County Executive’s Small Business Awards on October 10, 2012 to recognize and celebrate the significance of small businesses to the King County economy. He will be joined again this year by emcee John Curley with a special appearance from the Seahawks Blue Thunder Drumline.

Small Business of the Year

In the first quarter of 2010, the Washington State Employment Security Department reported King County had 79,022 firms of which 75,646 had 50 or fewer employees. The challenges to running a small business are infinite and often daunting, but the collective contributions of small businesses are vital to 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 showed 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 showed 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

The rural economy is an important link to the urban area and provides opportunities for residents to both live and work in the rural area. The King County Strategic Plan King County supports rural economic development that maintains the character of the rural area. This award recognizes the rural small business that has achieved excellence in one of the traditional rural industry clusters - agriculture, forestry, equine, home-based, or other.