Nominations open for 2025 Small Business Leaders Award

The 2025 Small Business Leaders Awards program honors exceptional leaders of small businesses in the Denver metro area who demonstrate innovation, resilience, and significant contributions to their community. Hosted by the Denver Business Journal, the awards recognize the achievements of business owners and entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated challenges and driven their companies to success. Winners will be featured in the journal’s Small Business Leaders special section and celebrated at a formal awards ceremony. Nominees must hold a leadership position (C-suite, senior, or department head) in a for-profit, locally owned business headquartered in one of the seven counties of the Denver metro area: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson. Eligible businesses must employ 500 or fewer individuals and have been in operation for at least two years. Nominees are also required to participate in a Denver Business Journal interview and the awards presentation. The judging process evaluates candidates on four primary criteria: company size (local and total employees), financial performance (2023 actual and 2024 estimated gross revenues, kept confidential), leadership within the organization and broader business community, and the community impact of the nominee's work. A strong nomination should provide specific, quantifiable achievements, such as revenue growth or innovative contributions to the community, while telling a compelling story about the nominee's leadership and accomplishments. To create a compelling nomination, applicants should focus on clear, factual responses, avoiding excessive praise or irrelevant details. Responses are capped at 2,000 characters per question, emphasizing the importance of concise and impactful narratives. Supporting details, such as measurable results or specific outcomes, are encouraged. Links to external websites or social media should not be included, as they will not be reviewed by judges. Winners of the awards receive significant recognition, including exposure in the Denver Business Journal and an opportunity to enhance their business’s visibility and credibility. Participation sends a strong message of success to employees, partners, and the local community while fostering networking opportunities at the awards event.