Designed for business owners, CO— is a site that connects like minds and delivers actionable insights for next-level growth.

Eligibility for Application:

1. Be a legal resident of the continental United States.
2. Be a for-profit business operating for at least one year primarily within the United States.
3. Have less than 250 employees or gross revenues of less than $20 million for each of 2021 and 2022.
4. Agree to all of the Award Rules, including potentially attending the virtual Dream Big Awards ceremony.

Moreover, employees, officers, and directors of Sponsors and any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families or individuals residing in their household are not eligible applicants.

Criteria for Selection of Finalists:

For round 1:

A panel of judges will select the first round of eligible semi-finalists in consideration for each Business Achievement Award and the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award from all entries received.

For round 2:

The second panel of judges comprised of U.S. Chamber staff and academia and industry experts will select:

• 27 Finalists
• 3 for each Business Achievement Award category
• 3 for Small Business of the Year, in consideration for each of the 8 Business Achievement Awards and the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award.

For round 3:

A final judging panel comprised of industry experts will select 1 finalist as the winner of each Business Achievement Award and the Dream Big Small Business of the Year of Award.

The criteria the Selection Committee will use to evaluate eligible applicants to select the twenty-seven (27) Finalists are the eligible applicants’:

• Business growth and performance
• Business strategies
• Community engagement and relations
• Corporate citizenship
• Customer relations (acquisition).
• Customer relations (retention)
• Innovation in business

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Award categories

• Emerging Business
• Green/Sustainable Business
• Minority-Owned Business
• Veteran-Owned Business
• Woman-Owned Business
• Young Entrepreneur Business
• LGBTQ-Owned Business
• Community Support and Leadership Award

Prizes:

The following prizes will be awarded to the winner of each Business Achievement Award category:

1. One-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce membership (valued at $250).
2. Recognition and award presentation during the award ceremony.
3. Will be featured in an article on CO—.

The following prizes will be awarded to the winner of the Dream Big Small Business of the Year Award:

1. A $25,000 cash prize.
2. One-year paid U.S. Chamber of Commerce Membership (valued at $250).
3. Playing a promotional video during the award ceremony.
4. An article on CO- featuring the winner.

The Small Business of the Year Award winner will be responsible for all federal, state, and local taxes that may be applicable.

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Entry Procedure:

Third parties (Third-Party Referrer) may refer applicants for entry. Referrals may be made by using the referral form at the URL beginning March 21, 2022 (Third-Party Referral). A Third-Party Referral will be valid only if the form is fully completed and submitted online any time before 11:59 pm EDT on June 17, 2022.

Upon receipt of a Third-Party Referral, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce will contact the referred business and send them information on how to apply to the Dream Big Awards.

Applicants may complete the entry form.