Nomination deadline is April 9 for Women in Business awards

The South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity (SD CEO) at Black Hills State University is accepting nominations for the prestigious Women in Business awards program that highlights the impact of outstanding women entrepreneurs across the state. The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 9 at midnight MST.  

All are encouraged to visit www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO to nominate successful South Dakota women entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact in business and whose actions exemplify savvy business acumen, integrity, compassion, and commitment to community.

According to Helen Merriman, director of SD CEO, "Starting a business and staying in business is very challenging so this awards program is an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of successful business women on a statewide stage and to say thank you for their entrepreneurial efforts."

The awards will be announced and presented at the Celebrating Women in Business luncheon Friday, May 16, at the Holiday Inn in Spearfish.

Nominees must be women whose businesses are located in South Dakota. The four award categories include:  The Enterprising Young Entrepreneur, The Enterprising Business Team, The Enterprising Business Woman, and The Enterprising Friend of Small Business. All nominations are confidential.

Nominations can be submitted via the website www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO or mailed to: SD CEO, 1200 University St., Unit 9511, Spearfish, SD 57799-9511. A list of requirements and criteria can also be found at www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO. For more information about SD CEO or the awards program, call 605.642.6435.

Requirements for nominations include:

&middot         Nominations should be submitted on behalf of an individual or business.                                       

&middot         Each nomination narrative should be 250 words or less

&middot         Two (2) references are required for each nomination References will be asked a standard list of questions to gather more specific information about the nominee

&middot         Nominations are to be submitted via the website www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO or mailed to: SD CEO, 1200 University St., Unit 9511, Spearfish, SD 57799-9511.

&middot         Deadline for nominations: Wednesday, April 9 at midnight MST

Criteria for each of the four categories:

Nominations for The Enterprising Young Entrepreneur, The Enterprising Business Team, and The Enterprising Business Woman must meet the Small Business Administration (SBA) definition of a small business: a business must have less than $7 million in average annual receipts.

The Enterprising Young Entrepreneur - This woman entrepreneur has created a successful business by demonstrating outstanding skill and commitment.  Self-nominations will not be accepted and nominations from fellow business owners, members of the community, trade and professional organizations are welcome.

This nominated woman has a minimum of 3 years in her current business should be 35 years or younger as of May 17, 2014 and should be a small business entrepreneur.

The Enterprising Business Team - An individual business owner may nominate her team for their significant contributions to the business. Self-nominations will be accepted, as well as nominations from fellow business owners, members of the community, trade and professional organizations and customers.

The nominated team should be the staff of a woman-owned business with 20 or fewer employees should have a minimum of seven (7) years in business and collectively demonstrates outstanding skills and customer service.  

The Enterprising Business Woman - This dynamic business woman has achieved substantial success in her business and community.  Self-nominations will not be accepted.  Nominations from fellow business owners, members of the community, and trade and professional organizations are welcome.

This nominated woman should be a small business owner or majority owner should have a minimum of seven (7) years in business should demonstrate outstanding skill, commitment, and accomplishment while successfully navigating obstacles and who influences, mentors, and encourages others.

The Enterprising Friend of Small Business - This business is an advocate for the growth and development of small business. Self-nominations will not be accepted. Nominations from fellow business owners, trade and professional organizations and members of the community are welcome.

This business should be a business of any size does not need to be woman-owned and should demonstrate commitment and ongoing support to the success of women-owned businesses.

The SD CEO is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any of the components or participants&rsquo opinions, products or services. SD CEO operates under Cooperative Agreement SBAHQ-13-W-0034. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. All SBA programs and services are provided to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Accommodation will be provided to clients with Limited English Proficiency when requested in advance.