The Anne Arundel Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate the innovation, leadership, and impact of our local business community at the 2026 Small Business Awards Celebration, taking place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Graduate Hotel in Annapolis.
Each year, we celebrate the businesses and leaders who drive innovation, create jobs, and contribute to the vitality of Anne Arundel County. We are now accepting nominations for the following award categories:
- Small Business of the Year
- Emerging Business of the Year
- Women-Owned Business of the Year
- Minority-Owned Business of the Year
- Non-Profit of the Year
Nominations will be accepted through the close of business on Friday, February 27, 2026. Eligibility criteria and award details are outlined below.
Do you know a business or nonprofit making a meaningful impact in our community? Take a few minutes to submit a nomination and help us shine a spotlight on the organizations that deserve to be celebrated.
Winners are determined by a committee. Tickets, sponsorships, & additional details to the Awards Celebration on April 16th will be available soon! If you’re interested in supporting any of these awards with a sponsorship, please e-mail amy@aaaccc.org for details.
Award Criteria and Nomination Links
Small Business of the Year
This award is presented to an Anne Arundel County business with up to 20 full time employees that has been in business for at least three years and has experienced growth, gives outstanding customer service, provides a quality work environment for employees and is involved in the community.
The award is open to all small businesses that meet the criteria and no industry is excluded. You can nominate a small business that you have worked with or used their services, gone to their restaurant or purchased their products. A small business can nominate themselves if they meet the criteria and we encourage to financial institutions, accounting firms and other companies that work with small businesses to provide a nomination. Click Here to Nominate
Previous Winners: Nothing Bundt Cakes (2025), K&B True Value (2024), Humdinger Productions (2023).
Emerging Business of the Year
This award recognizes an early-stage business located in Anne Arundel County that is less than two years old and has demonstrated the potential for growth and has a unique business model. The owner or founder must have the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to achieve long term success and create jobs here Anne Arundel County.
To nominate, you will need to provide some background information about the business and explain how their business model is unique and their potential for growth in Anne Arundel County. Click Here to Nominate
Previous Winners: Fount & Flourish (2025), BluZone, LLC (2024), Wildberry Farm + Market (2023)
Women Owned Business of the Year
The award will be given to a women owned business (at least 51%) to recognize and celebrate their success. The nominee must have operated the business for at least 3 years and, they must have demonstrated community involvement and served as a role model, inspiration or mentor to other women owned businesses. Click Here to Nominate.
Previous Winners: Integrity Construction Group (2025), One.Physical Therapy.Fitness.Wellness (2024)
Minority Owned Business of the Year
The award will be given to a for-profit minority owned business, the Chamber will use the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) definition of minority ownership (at least 51%) and the business must have been in operation for at least 3 years. In addition, to successfully operating their business, they must have demonstrated community involvement and served as a role model, inspiration or mentor to other minority owned businesses. Click Here to Nominate
Previous Winners: Los Hermanos Tequila (2025), Magothy Payments (2024)
Non-Profit of the Year
This award is presented to an Anne Arundel County organization that has demonstrated strong efforts to successfully pursue its mission and improve the quality of life in Anne Arundel County. The selected organization will show superior commitment to working in close partnership with the business community.
You will need to provide some background information and a share your thoughts why this organization should be recognized and how it has impacted the people of Anne Arundel County. Click Here to Nominate
Previous Winners: Boys & Girls Club of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (2025), Heart Health Foundation (2023), Life of Joy (2024)