SD West CEO accepts nominations for Women Leading the Business

SPEARFISH, SD (Dakota News Now) – The CEO of the SD West Women’s Business Center has announced the 10th year of the Outstanding Women in Business Awards program and is currently seeking nominations.

These prestigious awards are designed to highlight the impact of outstanding women entrepreneurs and leaders across the state. These awards will be presented at the Women’s Business Summit on August 30th at The Lodge at Deadwood in Deadwood, SD.

Organizers are soliciting nominations of successful South Dakota women entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who have made a significant impact in business and whose actions exemplify business acumen, integrity, compassion and community commitment. All nominations will be confidential, according to a press release from Black Hills State University.

“This is our 10th year of recognizing women across the state who are bringing innovation and leadership to their business, organization and community,” said Michelle Kane, Director, CEO of the SD West Women’s Business Center, “Women continue to are making a difference in the market and we are thrilled to honor them.”

Nominees must be women whose business is located in South Dakota.

The four award categories include

• The enterprising young entrepreneur

• The enterprising female entrepreneur

• The enterprising female intrapreneur

• The enterprising friend of small business.

A statewide panel of judges will review all nominations and select the top three finalists for each category. Finalists and their nominees will be notified the week of August 8.

Nomination requirements are as follows

· The narrative for each nomination must be 250 words or less.

· Two recommendations are required for each nomination.

· Recommendations will be asked a standard list of questions to gather more specific information about the nominee.

· Nominations are submitted via the website www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO. Nomination deadline: Tuesday, August 2nd, 12pm MT.

· Nominations must be submitted on behalf of an individual or business.

· Enterprising Young Entrepreneur and Enterprising Entrepreneur nominations must meet the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) definition of a small business that is a small business entrepreneur as defined by the US SBA (500 employees or less for manufacturing and mining industry and $7.5 million or less in average annual receipts for non-manufacturing industries; is organized for profit; operates primarily in the U.S. or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy by paying taxes or using U.S. products, materials, or labor; is independently owned and operated; not dominant in its field at the national level.)

The enterprising young entrepreneur

This female entrepreneur has created a successful business, demonstrating exceptional skills and commitment. This woman:

· has a minimum of 3 years in his current business

· is 35 years of age or younger as of August 30, 2022

· is a small business entrepreneur

The enterprising entrepreneur

This dynamic businesswoman has achieved significant success in her business and community. This woman:

· is a small business owner or majority owner

· has a minimum of seven years in business

· demonstrates exceptional skills, commitment and achievement while successfully overcoming obstacles and influences, mentoring and encouraging others

The enterprising intrapreneur

This woman can work for a business or non-profit organization of any size. She is not an owner, but has used her entrepreneurial skills to implement or serve as a catalyst for innovative changes in her organization that have resulted in increased revenue, company expansion/growth, improved systems, or other quantifiable improvements/progress of the organization. She can work at any level of the organization and has demonstrated significant leadership qualities at work and in her community. The business the woman works for must be located in South Dakota.

The enterprising friend of small business

This business is an advocate for small business growth and development. This business:

· Can be a business of any size

· need not be owned by a woman

· demonstrates commitment and ongoing support for the success of women-owned businesses

The Entrepreneurial Women in Business Awards are presented by the CEO of the SD West Women’s Business Center and recognize and honor all working women. Nominations are open until August 2 and can be made here Linktr.ee/SDCEOWestAwards.

See past winners here BHSU.Edu/SDCEO/Events.

Copyright 2022 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.