Best Practices Survey

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BLACK ENTERPRISE Seeking Nominations for Small Business Awards

The BLACK ENTERPRISE Small Business Awards were created to recognize outstanding African American entrepreneurs and their companies who embody the BLACK ENTERPRISE entrepreneurial spirit, and whose professional achievements serve as inspiration and guidance to others striving to make their mark in the economic mainstream.
BUSINESS INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
This award recognizes individuals who have broken new ground or developed a new and unique method of doing business. Their accomplishments have had significant impact in their respective industries and will pave the way for others to pursue business opportunities in that area. The award honors African American ingenuity and invention. Please provide succinct information on the scope and capabilities of the innovation, as well as its commercial value. Supporting data must be documented in the Quality of
Performance essay–Section 2 of this application.
RISING STAR AWARD
This award was created to honor exceptional business achievements by individuals under the age of 35. The recipients possess
outstanding skills, professionalism and perseverance, and have established themselves as entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow.
EMERGING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
The company selected for this award has demonstrated that it is poised for future growth. This company has adopted creative
marketing techniques, carved out a special niche or strategically capitalized on general market opportunities to enable it to successfully
forge ahead. Companies that have achieved a solid pattern of growth over the past five years in a sector or niche with strong market trends
upwards are encouraged to apply.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE NOMINATION CRITERIA FOR THE BLACK ENTERPRISE SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE KIDPRENEURS AWARD. EACH COMPANY MUST:

· Be independently owned.

· Be at least 5 years old.

· Be at least 51% black owned.

· Generate annual revenues of at least $250,000 but no more than $20 million.

· Show a pattern of increasing revenues for the two years preceding application.

· Have a minimum of three employees.

KIDPRENEURS AWARD
The Teenpreneurs award recognizes a young entrepreneur or group, under the age of 17, who is committed to advancing the rich tradition of black business achievement. These young entrepreneurs have positioned themselves to become the next generation of business leaders.

NOMINATION CRITERIA FOR THE KIDPRENEURS AWARD: EACH INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP MUST:

· Operate a business that is at least 2 years old and at least 51% black owned.

· Demonstrate that the company generates revenues (even if it is not yet profitable).

· Serve as a role model to young entrepreneurs.

· Have a comprehensive understanding of, and direct involvement in, the daily operations of the company. Entries must be received by January 15, 2006. The awards will be presented at the 11th annual Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference May 17-21, 2006 at the Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX

For more information on this award and an application go to www.blackenterprise.com or call 800-543-6786

Public Awareness Campaign, Coalition Building and Training

NIUE conducts grassroots awareness campaigns on the topics of economic liberty, economic opportunity and entrepreneurship generally for urban entrepreneurs; trains nonprofits, faith based organizations and other technical community service and information providers assisting entry-level entrepreneurs; and we will educate and involve state and local governments and the corporate sector on the plight of the entry-level entrepreneur. Click here to set up a workshop at your worksite, university or townhall!