Business Excellence Awards 101: What Is It? How Do You Apply?
Here at the Summit County Chamber, we know that you pour your heart and soul into your Summit County business. Whether you’re in Frisco, Breck, or Silverthorne, you work tirelessly to provide top-notch products and services to your community.
We also know that recognition and praise can be hard to come by in the competitive world of small business. Sometimes, it can feel like you’re working your tail off for little reward.
That’s why we’ve started the Business Excellence Awards – to celebrate and honor the amazing businesses in our community.
But what exactly are the Business Excellence Awards? And how do you apply? This isn’t just another fancy ceremony – it’s your opportunity to shine, completely free of charge, with no strings attached.
And the best part? You don’t even need to be a Chamber member to apply!
Why These Awards Matter More Than You Think
Think about the last time you saw a local business featured on KSMT or Peak Radio. Or when you read about a Summit County success story in Mountain Town Magazine.
That could be your business. Winners of the Business Excellence Awards don’t just get a trophy – they receive an extensive media package that includes radio campaigns, magazine features, and digital promotion that would typically cost thousands of dollars.
Plus, businesses that have won in the past have seen a significant increase in customers and revenue, as well as improved employee morale and recognition within the community.
Breaking Down the Categories: Where Do You Fit?
The 2025 awards recognize excellence across three distinct categories, ensuring businesses of all sizes and types have a chance to shine:
Category 1: General Business Awards
These awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit, creative problem-solving, and exceptional teamwork that makes Summit County businesses stand out.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or changing your industry, this category recognizes those making waves in our business community.
- New Business of the Year: Have you opened your doors within the last two years? This one’s for you.
- Business Innovator of the Year: Created a unique solution to a local challenge? Found a better way to serve our mountain community?
- Business Team of the Year: Is your staff the secret to your success?
Category 2: Community Champions
Summit County thrives because of organizations and individuals who go above and beyond to serve our community.
This category recognizes those who make our mountain paradise a better place to live, work, and play through their dedication to public service and community leadership.
- Non-Profit Program of the Year: For those organizations making Summit County a better place
- Governmental Department/Team of the Year: Recognizing excellence in public service
- Ben Fogle Chamber Champion of the Year: Celebrating individual leadership in our business community
Category 3: Business of the Year Awards
Excellence comes in all sizes in Summit County. These prestigious awards acknowledge outstanding achievements across the spectrum of business scale, recognizing that each size category faces unique challenges and opportunities in the region.
Based on company size:
- Small Business of the Year
- Medium Business of the Year
- Large Business of the Year
The Application Process: Easier Than You Think
Forget what you know about complex award applications. The Chamber has streamlined the process to respect your valuable time. Here’s what you need to know:
- You can apply for one award from Category 1 AND Category 3
- Applications are open until February 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM (MT)
- Want expert feedback? Submit by January 31, 2025, for the Early Bird Review
- Applications are judged by fellow business leaders who understand our unique mountain economy
The Winner’s Circle: More Than Just Recognition
Winning a Business Excellence Award isn’t just about the trophy – it’s about amplifying your success across Summit County.
We’ve partnered with the region’s top media outlets and marketing professionals to create a winner’s package that would typically cost thousands of dollars in advertising and promotional value.
Winners receive an impressive package of benefits including:
- Professional video spotlight of your business
- Featured articles in the Chamber newsletter
- $400 print package from Epic Print Pros
- Radio campaign across multiple local stations
- Two-page spread in Mountain Town Magazine
- Extended social media coverage
Think about what this exposure could mean for your business. Past winners have reported significant increases in foot traffic, website visits, and customer inquiries in the months following their win.
For Breckenridge-based businesses or women-owned enterprises, there’s even the possibility of additional feature articles in Breckenridge Magazine or Mountain Women Magazine. This comprehensive media package ensures your success story reaches every corner of Summit County and beyond, from the ski slopes to the business community.
Still on the Fence? Consider This:
Last year’s winners include businesses you know and respect – from Bistro North to PSYFI, from small startups to established enterprises. Each started exactly where you are now – wondering if they should apply.
The Summit Chamber is hosting several information sessions in January where you can learn more about the application process and get tips for submitting a winning entry. These sessions are free and open to all businesses – Chamber members or not.
Apply or Nominate Now!
Know an amazing local business that deserves recognition? You don’t have to wait for them to apply – you can nominate them!
It could be your favorite coffee shop that always goes the extra mile, a nonprofit making waves in the community, or an innovative startup changing the game – your nomination could be the nudge they need to step into the spotlight.
Visit the Chamber’s website at www.summitchamber.org to download the application packet or submit a nomination. Remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and in this case, taking that shot won’t cost you anything but a little time.
The deadline is February 18, 2025 – but why wait? Start your application today – or nominate a business you admire – and join the ranks of Summit County’s most celebrated businesses.
Remember: Every business has a story worth telling, whether it’s yours or one you admire. The Business Excellence Awards might just be the perfect opportunity to tell it.
