Eligibility:

To be nominated for the local or state award, the veteran business owner must meet the following eligibility requirements.

  • Veteran must be honorably discharged from active duty or retired from any United States of America branch of military service.  Nominees for this award may still be active in Reserve or National Guard units.  Veteran must possess a DD214 and include a copy with their application
  • The veteran must own, or have owned, at least 51 percent of a Virginia based business.  Veterans who had previously owned 51 percent of a business are still eligible for award provided they meet all other requirements.
  • The veteran must have owned their business for at least one year.
  • The veteran and his/her business must be (or have been) located in Virginia.
  • Nominee must be living in Virginia at the time of their nomination.
  • Past local winners of this award are not eligible for another local award for one year after their last award.  Local winners are only eligible for an award two out of five years.
  • Past state winners are not eligible for the local or state award.
  • Nominator must complete a nomination packet and submit directly to your local SBDC location by their nomination deadline.  Go to the "Application Process" for application packet and for a list of SBDC locations click this link (Link to SBDC offices)
  • All nominating materials becomes the property of the Virginia Small Business Development Centers

Criteria:

Each nominee will be considered on the following criteria for both the local and state award.

  • The nominee should be innovative and/or highly successful in his/her efforts to promote small business development and growth through ownership (51 percent of more) in a small business (as defined by the SBA).
  • The nominee should demonstrate community involvement in his/her promotion or advocacy of patriotism, country, duty and freedom with a special emphasis of working with veteran causes.
  • The nominee's military history, awards and achievements.



Virginia Small Business Veteran of the Year Award