Business Excellence Awards
Since 2015, The Chamber has recognized exceptional businesses and business leaders in our community at the Business Excellence Awards. Annual award winners are presented with special bee sculptures in recognition of their achievements. (Scroll down to see all past winners!)
2024 BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN!
Award Descriptions and Criteria
New Business of the Year
The New Business of the Year award is presented to a business that has been operating for less than three years, shown growth over the past three years, and provided for an outstanding community/economic need.
Micro Enterprise Business of the Year
The Micro-Enterprise Business of the Year award will be presented to the outstanding Chamber member business with fewer than 5 employees that has shown growth, innovation of product, exemplary customer service, response to adversity, and/or contribution to the community.
Mid-Size Business of the Year
The Mid-Size Business of the Year award will be presented to the outstanding Chamber member business with between 6 and 50 employees that has shown growth, innovation of product, exemplary customer service, response to adversity, and/or contribution to the community.
Large Business of the Year
The Large Business of the Year award will be presented to the outstanding Chamber member business with over 50 employees that has shown growth, innovation of product, exemplary customer service, response to adversity, and/or contribution to the community.
Non-Profit of the Year
The Non-Profit Business of the Year award will be presented to the outstanding Chamber member charitable non-profit organization that has shown growth, innovation of product, exemplary customer service, response to adversity, and/or contribution to the community.
Community Impact Award
The Community Impact Award is presented to an outstanding organization that has significantly and measurably made social, economic or environmental improvements within the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community.
Innovation Award
The Innovative Business of the Year award is presented to a business that has demonstrated innovation through the concept, value, delivery, and impact of a product or service, system, or event.
Black Business Alliance Person of the Year
The Black Business Alliance Person of the Year award is presented to an exceptional person in business that has not only excelled in their job function and industry, but has also pioneered initiatives to promote Black business and community leadership.
CHYP Young Professional of the Year
The Young Professional of the Year award is presented to a young professional under 40 that has demonstrated outstanding leadership in his/her industry and whose achievements have promoted young professional engagement via leadership in the community pertaining to economic development and civic engagement. The nominee must be under 40 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2024.
Business Woman of the Year
The Business Woman of the Year award is presented to an exceptional woman in business that has not only excelled in her job function and industry, but has also pioneered initiatives to promote female leadership in business and the community.
