National Association of Women Business Owners, Orange County, CA Chapter

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Business Awards

Below is a list of business awards our members might be interested in applying for. They are listed in order of application due date. For questions, changes or additions to this list please contact Carolyn Elgar, Word Design2, 949-766-9140.	"NAWBO has given me incredible confidence on many levels. As a result, I recently applied and have been chosen as a finalist for the AMEX Make Mine A Million Competition! This is just the beginning of what NAWBO helped me create. I guarantee more!" — Vanessa O’Neill, Cedar Spring, Inc.
Award:	Application Due:	Award Date:	More Information:
Black Enterprise Magazine Black Enterprise Small Business Awards Recognizes outstanding African American entrepreneurs for business excellence. Award winners represent the best of the best. They not only embody the entrepreneurial spirit and are representative of exceptional achievement, but they also serve as inspiration to others striving to make their mark in the economic mainstream. Small Business Awards are made in the following categories: - Emerging Company of the Year - honors an organization that has adopted creative marketing techniques, carved out a special niche or strategically capitalized on general market opportunities to enable its business to successfully forge ahead. - Rising Star Award - recognizes exceptional business achievement by persons under the age of 35. - Business Innovator of the Year - acknowledges an individual who has broken new ground or developed a new and unique method of doing business.	January	May	National; contact the magazine for more information.
Orange County Business Journal Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award is given to an Orange County business that exhibits the creativity, insight, and determination necessary to establish and nurture a successful business.	February	March	Orange County-specific; contact Jayne Kennedy for information (949) 833-8373.
National Association of Female Executives Women of Excellence Awards Five awards will be presented to NAFE members who have excelled in using vision and creativity in their work and who have helped other women succeed in the business world. These awards are: Woman of Achievement, Outstanding Entrepreneur, Mentorship Award, Community Service, and Rising Star.	February	March	National; NAFE members can get more information by contacting Lindsey Pollak (212) 351-6450.
City of Irvine Family Friendly Business Awards Special recognition to Irvine-based companies that have integrated family friendly programs into their business operations.	February	March	Irvine-specific awards; click here for more information.
NAWBO / Wells Fargo Trailblazer Award Three outstanding women business owners are recognized for their "trailblazing" spirit as demonstrated by their companies' business performance, innovation, growth, and personal service to the community.	February	May	National awards; click here for more information.
Cartier Women's Initiative Awards Do you have a great idea for a new business? Apply for the Cartier Women's Initiative Awards and you'll have a chance to win funding, expert coaching advice, and networking opportunities with women entrepreneurs from around the world.The winners–one in each of five global regions–will be selected at the end of a business plan competition in two rounds.	February 28	October	For more information and to apply, click here.
Inc. 5000 Inc. magazine and Inc.com will be expanding their annual list of America’s fastest growing businesses, the Inc. 500, by creating the Inc. 5000, a list that will recognize 4500 additional companies. This list will appear on the Inc.com website, along with basic information about each company. All companies on the Inc. 5000 list will be invited to the first-ever Inc. 5000 conference which will take place in Chicago in September of 2007.	March 1	September	Companies with four full years of revenue generation that are based in the U.S. may click here to find out about the list and download a qualification form.
The Orange County Council of AeA Annual High-Tech Awards NAWBO Applicable Categories: - Outstanding Company - Outstanding Woman in Technology - Outstanding Private Company CEO - Outstanding Medical Device Company - High Impact Person of the Year	March 9	May	Orange County and technology-specific awards; click here for more information.
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Awards Global, U.S. and regional awards that celebrate the pioneering men and women who are unafraid to take risks, stay dedicated to their companies throughout the inevitable cycles of business, and create the products and services that support our communities and enrich our lives. Categories include: - Services Entrepreneur of the Year - Financial Services Entrepreneur of the Year - Health Sciences Entrepreneur of the Year - Manufacturing/Consumer Products Entrepreneur of the Year - Real Estate/Construction and Services Entrepreneur of the Year - Retail Entrepreneur of the Year - Technology Entrepreneur of the Year	March 30	June	Candidates start at the regional level, and if named finalists, move on to the national EOY Awards; click here for more information.
Orange County Business Journal Women In Business Awards The annual Women In Business awards luncheon honors women who have distinguished themselves with their outstanding professional accomplishments. Self nominations are encouraged and past nominees are eligible for consideration. This provides a great opportunity for a nominee and her company to gain high visibility within the Orange County business community.	April	May	Orange County-specific. Details coming soon.
Orange Coast College Small Business of the Year Award Honors small business owners and their employees who personify outstanding ethical business practices.	May	June	Orange County-specific; click here for more information.
Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Recognizes the 500 fastest-growing technology companies in the United States and Canada that rally behind innovation, break down obstacles, and systematically defy the odds. Rising Stars (in business between 3-5 years) Recognizes younger companies on track to make the Fast 500 list. Technology Fast 50: Orange County Recognizes the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in Orange County. Orange County Rising Stars (in business between 3-5 years) Recognizes younger companies on track to make the Fast 50 list.	May	October	Fast 500 and North American Rising Stars: click here for more information. Fast 50 and Orange County Rising Stars: click here for more information.
Women Impacting Public Policy Four awards to be presented at the WIPP September Conference in Washington D.C. Nominees must be members of WIPP and be present at the special luncheon to receive the award. Member of the Year: one who has demonstrated outstanding commitment of vision and resources in service to WIPP and it’s membership. Member to Watch: one who serves as an industry leader creating extraordinary accomplishments in their business and for the women’s business community. WIPP Public Policy Award: one who understands the connection between public policy and business growth and who sets an example of the power business women have by being actively involved in the political process Fast 5 Award: five members who have demonstrated outstanding business growth in the last five years or have made a national impact on the state of women in business.	June 15	September	Click here for nomination forms and submit by fax to (415) 434-4331 or email Sforrester@wipp.org.
International Small Business Contest by UPS United Parcel Service (UPS) is sponsoring an International Small Business Contest. Qualifying businesses should have 2006 revenue between $250K and $10million. First, second, and third prizes, as well as a Special Award, will be based on an online entry of an essay no more than 500 words long that includes information about the business, its innovativeness and implementation, and its commitment to customer service. The North American, Asian-Pacific, and the Latin American Regions will each choose three semi-finalists. International winners will be chosen from these nine contestants.	September 1	October 1	For more information and to enter, go to www.outofthebox.ups.com.
Stevie Awards, Inc. Stevies® for Women Entrepreneurs An international awards competition recognizing the accomplishments of women executives and business owners. The awards are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards, hailed as "the business world's own Oscars" by the New York Post. 48 categories are available, including individuals, companies, organizations, products/services, and media/marketing.	September	December	National awards; click here for more information.
Orange County Business Journal & CSUF Family Business Council Family-Owned Business Awards presented in five categories to family-owned businesses: - Large Business Award - Medium Business Award - Small Business Award - Up and Coming Business - Longevity Award	October	November	Orange County-specific awards; click here for more information.
Enterprising Women Magazine Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Recognizes women of achievement who have had a profound impact on their community through their leadership as entrepreneurs. Categories include: - woman-owned enterprise with < $1 million in annual revenues - woman-owned enterprise with $1-5 million in annual revenues - woman-owned enterprise with $5-25 million in annual revenues - woman-owned enterprise with > $25 million in annual revenues	November 18	February	National; click here for more information and a nomination form.
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Awards Recognizes small business contributions to the American economy and society. Awards made at the District, State and National level. Categories include: - State Small Business Person of the Year - National Small Business Person of the Year (selected from the state winners) - Small Business Disaster Recovery - Financial Services Champion of the Year - Home-Based Business Champion of the Year - Minority Small Business Champion of the Year - Small Business Exporter of the Year - SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Veteran Small Business Champion of the Year - Women in Business Champion of the Year - Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Business of the Year - Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year - Small Business Subcontractor of the Year - Dwight D. Eisenhower Award for Excellence - Gold Star - Frances Perkins Vanguard Award	November 23	December January February	Congressional district, state and national awards; district awards made in December; state awards made in January; national awards made during National Small Business Week in February. For more information on the nomination process please contact Sylvia Gutierrez at the SBA (714)560-7454. Click here for nomination forms.
The Orange County Register Holiday Spirit Award Honors Orange County business owners who exhibit good will, joy and generosity all year long.	Early December	Late December	Orange County-specific; click here more information.
Irvine Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards Recognizes Irvine-based businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to community service and the best traditions of the free enterprise system.	December	January	Irvine-specific awards; contact the chamber for more information.
OC Regsiter Holiday Spirit Award For the 20th year, the Orange County Register wants to recognize a small business owner who best exemplifies the holiday spirit all year long. Do you know a business owner who exhibits generosity and good will to customers and employees? Write a description of the person and the good they do and send it to Jan Norman by December 7th	December 7	December	Email: jnorman@ocregister.com fax: 714-796-3684 mail: Holiday Spirit Award, Jan Norman, The Orange County Register, 625 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana, CA 92701
California State Legislature Women in Business Awards honors California women for their accomplishments in business and service to their community in several different categories.		March	Legislative district-specific; awardees in each district chosen by state senate or assembly members; awards made in March; for more information contact your state senator or assembly member.
California Small Business Association& California State Legislature Small Business of the Year Award Presented to visionary community leaders and entrepreneurs who inspire those around them to exceed their potential and have a successful and sustainable business. Presented annually at California Small Business Day in Sacramento.		May	Legislative district-specific; awardees in each district chosen by state senate or assembly members; click here for more information.
Orange County Business Council Annual Awards Recognition awards that honor Orange County business leaders (companies and individuals) who consistently and positively impact the county in the areas of advocacy, economic development and education. Categories include: - Advocacy (company) - Economic Development (company) - Workforce Development (company) - Chairman's Award (company) - Segerstrom Lifetime Achievement Award (individual)		June	Orange County-specific; contact the OCBC at 949-476-2242 for more information.
American Association of University Women, Women of Distinction Awards Bestowed on women who have made outstanding contributions to the lives of women and girls in the areas of communication, sports, public policy, financial literacy, advocacy, and leadership		June	National; click here for more information.
Office Depot’s Success Strategies Visionary Award Recipients have demonstrated the dedication, vision, leadership, perseverance and commitment to achieve business success, shape the direction of their communities and even help to change the lives of women.		September	National; click here to send an e-mail message for more information.
OPEN from American Express and Count-Me-In Make Mine a $Million Competition Award program that helps women grow their businesses and reach a million dollars in annual sales by providing free mentoring and coaching, marketing opportunities and up to $45,000 in financing. Winners and runners-up are chosen at annual Women's Leadership Exchange conferences, typically held in Southern CA in August.		Fall 2007	Regional and national awards; check websites for information, application deadlines and WLE conference dates: Make Mine a Million American Express Count-Me-In Women's Leadership Exchange (WLE)
NAWBO-OC Remarkable Women Awards Honors exceptional women business owners, and community leaders. Categories may include: Lifetime Achievement, Pioneering Woman, Entrepreneur to Watch, and others.		October	Orange County-specific; click here for more information.
Minorities in Business Magazine Multicultural Prism Awards Recognize outstanding achievements by entrepreneurs, corporations, or corporate executives in five different categories, highlighting the exceptional, visionary, and inspirational work of minorities and women. Categories applicable to NAWBO include: - Entrepreneur Spirit Award - Corporate Diversity Award - Supplier Diversity Award		December	National; contact the magazine for more information.
ATHENA International / Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Award® Presented annually by chambers of commerce, women’s organizations and universities. The award is established through local host organizations in partnership with ATHENA International’s national underwriters, local businesses and individual sponsors. Nominations are solicited and an ATHENA sculpture is awarded to an individual in the community who meets the ATHENA Award criteria. By honoring exceptional leaders, the ATHENA Award® Program seeks to inspire others to achieve.			Huntington Beach-specific; click here for more information or contact HB Chamber.
The Committee of 200, Committee of 200 Membership Membership in The Committee of 200 is primarily by invitation. The Committee seeks women who are: - Entrepreneurs who own and run companies generating minimum annual revenues of $15 million - CEOs or other senior corporate executives who oversee or manage divisions producing more than $250 million in revenue - Senior corporate executives who can prove, in a measurable way, their indirect impact on the receipt of at least $250 million in gross revenue - Either the CEO, or an executive reporting to the CEO, with profit and loss responsibility and an expense budget of at least $100 million			National organization; click here for more information.

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