Join us on October 19, 2023, for America's Top Small Business Summit: Ready, Set, Scale — a must-attend event for small businesses ready to take their companies to the next level. Register and learn more about our event here!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is America’s Top Small Business (ATSB) Awards?
A: Previously called the Dream Big Awards, ATSB is hosted and run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Our contest aims to recognize small businesses who are driving economic growth and stimulating their local communities and economies through for-profit business ownership, job creation, and overall commitment to being an integral part of a thriving business eco-system.
Q: Who is eligible to apply to the America’s Top Small Business Awards 2023 (ATSB) program?
A: A business must meet the following requirements to be eligible for the America’s Top Small Business Awards 2023:
- Be a legal resident of the United States.
- Be a for-profit business operating for at least one (1) year primarily within the United States.
- Have fewer than 250 employees or gross revenues of less than $20 million for both 2021 and 2022.
- Agree to all of the Award Rules, including potentially attending award ceremony.
Q: How do I apply for America's Top Small Business?
A: Eligible applicants may click here to apply online for the awards. Please be aware that once you submit your application, it will be considered final and no revisions are permitted.
Q: How can I share America's Top Small Business with others?
A: Click here to access a one-page PDF that details eligibility and provides the application link!
Q: How is a winner chosen?
A: All applicants will be judged on their application answers. We will choose 70 Top Small Business honorees across America (10 in each of seven regions). The highest-scoring business in each region will be named a finalist and one those regional finalists will be named America’s Top Small Business and win a $25,000 cash prize!
Q: What can I win?
A: One winner (America’s Top Small Business) will win $25,000, plus additional non-financial prizes. Finalists do not receive a cash prize. See full breakdown of prizes here.
Q: Are there awards categories this year?
A: There are no awards categories this year. Unlike in previous years, all applicants will answer the same questions. Ten Top Small Businesses will be chosen from each of seven regions, totaling 70 honorees. The top-scoring business in each region will be named a finalist and eligible to be chosen as America’s Top Small Business of the Year.
Q: How much is the application fee?
A: There is no fee to apply!
Q: How are businesses entered into the ATSB Awards program?
A: A business must fill out an application in order to enter. Chambers of commerce and trade associations are encouraged to refer businesses to the program. However, the business itself must submit an application for the ATSB Awards program to be considered.
Q: When is the deadline to submit an application for the 2023 ATSB program?
A: Please note: The deadline has been extended! All applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on Friday, July 21, 2023.
Q: My sales decreased from 2021 to 2022. Will my application still be considered? Should I still apply?
A: Yes! You should still apply. In your application, be sure to address the sales figures you reported and outline your business plan or strategies for growth in 2023 and beyond.
Q: How can I strengthen my application?
A: A strong application will draw a clear and concise picture of how the business was started, what makes it unique, and how it has overcome challenges. Make sure your completed application clearly describes your business’s relationship with its community, customers, and employees. Submitting additional materials—such as your business plan—can strengthen your application and help us get to know your business, but they are not required.
Q: May I submit additional materials to support my application?
A: Yes, you may submit additional materials to support your application. Submissions may include copies of paid or earned media, photos of your workplace, media features and examples of community engagement. To ensure they are reviewed with your application, supporting materials must be uploaded to your online form.
Q: What is accepted as a statement of revenue?
A: We will accept a letter stating your company’s sales in 2021 and 2022 signed by both your president/CEO and your accountant OR a copy of the first page of your company’s tax return (such as an 1120 form). Do NOT submit your company’s entire tax return. While your statement of revenue is not required to submit your application, if you are chosen as a finalist, you will be required to submit.
Q: How can I save my answers so that I can work on my application later?
A: After creating a user profile and before submitting your final application, answers will be saved automatically so you can revisit or edit any previous responses.
Q: What is my U.S. Chamber member number?
A: Please call Customer Service at (800) 638-6582 for your member number.
Q: What states are in each region?
A: The following is a breakdown of the states and their regions:
Eastern Region
Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C., West Virginia
Great Lakes Region
Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania
Midwest Region
Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin
Northwest Region
Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
Southeastern Region
Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
Southwest & South Central Region
Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
Western Region
Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
Q: When will finalists be announced?
Finalists will be notified on or before October 1, 2023, through the contact information provided in the application. To stay up to date with the latest announcements and information, sign up for our newsletter, Midnight Oil, to receive updates.
Click here for a full guide to America's Top Small Business.
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Please note: The application submission period for America’s Top Small Business 2023 is now closed. To stay up to date with announcements and information pertaining to the contest, be sure to subscribe to CO—'s newsletter, Midnight Oil. Finalists will be announced in September. Good luck to all applicants!
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CO—is committed to helping you start, run and grow your small business. Learn more about the benefits of small business membership in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, here.
