Every year, we spotlight the men and women who, through their independent entrepreneurial spirit, play a vital role in building the community and the economy. Join us in recognizing the achievements of Findlay and Hancock County’s small businesses. Questions about the Small Business Awards? Contact Emily Young at eyoung@findlayhancockchamber.com

58th Annual Small Business Awards
Wednesday, October 13 | 4:00 pm
Marathon Center for the Performing Arts

The Awards

Premier Bank Small Business of the Year
An established business that has a substantiated local history that has seen growth in employee and sales, responsiveness to adversity, and supports community-oriented projects.

 

University of Findlay Small Business Person of the Year
An individual who has demonstrated leadership in growing their organization through additional employees, an increase in sales, and supports community-oriented projects.

 

State Bank Emerging Business of the Year
A for-profit business that has been locally owned and under the same ownership for up to five years that has seen growth in employees and sales, responsiveness to adversity, and supports community-oriented projects.

 

Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
A locally owned business that has been passed from one generation to another that has seen growth in employee and sales, responsiveness to adversity, and supports community-oriented projects.

 

Fifth Third Bank Downtown Champion
An individual, organization, or business that has dedicated their time and efforts towards advancing the downtown community through their individual or organizational involvement.

 

Small Business Manufacturing Excellence of the Year Award
An established manufacturing business that has seen growth in employee and sales, responsiveness to adversity, and supports community-oriented projects.

 

Citizens National Bank Agriculture Enterprise Champion of the Year
An established farm or agricultural business that has demonstrated sound business practices and leadership, innovative farm practices, and invests financially in the community.

 

WFIN-WKXA-106.3 The Fox Women in Business Champion
An established business that is at least 50.1% female-owned that has seen growth in employee and sales, responsiveness to adversity, and supports community-oriented projects.

 

Gilmore Jasion Mahler Manufacturing & Distribution Leadership Impact Award
An individual at any level of an organization whose dedication, integrity, and hard work have made a lasting impact on the local manufacturing industry.

 

City Apparel Do Good Award (New in 2021!)
A business that has been actively involved in the community, volunteering and supporting charitable and worthy causes.

 

Old Fort Banking Company Professional of the Year
An individual who is innovative and uses their personal time and resources to support the community, and whose business has seen growth in employee and sales, responsiveness to adversity, and supports community-oriented projects.

 

Marathon Petroleum Corporation Diverse Small Business Champion
an established business that is at least 50.1% diverse-owned that has seen growth in employee and sales, responsiveness to adversity, and supports community-oriented projects. “Diverse” nominations could include racial & ethnic diversity, veteran-owned, women-owned, LGBTQ+, and disadvantaged populations.

 

First National Bank “Go Local” Small Business Champion
A local business, individual, or not-for-profit organization committed to consciously choosing local resources when competitively available and looks for innovative and collaborative partnerships.

 

Trust Company Family Offices Customer Service Champion
An established business that consistently provides exceptional customer service throughout their organization.

 

Huntington Bank ATHENA Award
A woman who has attained and personified the highest level of professional excellence in her business or profession and has devoted time and energy to the community in a meaningful way, opening doors of leadership opportunities for women.

 

The Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation Non-Profit Leader of the Year
A local executive or paid staff member of a nonprofit organization (with 501 (c) 3 status) providing services in Hancock County.