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The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce annually honors our region’s small businesses and nonprofits for their significant contributions as drivers of economic growth through our Small Business Awards.

Deadline

The June 6 deadline for applications has passed. Be sure to apply at the same time next year!

Finalists will be announced the week of June 23, 2025. Winners will be announced live at the Small Business Awards & Summer Mixer on July 10 – join us to celebrate!

Eligibility Requirements

All applicants must be a current member in good standing with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. Eligible applicants must have 50 or fewer employees in total. Small businesses (including nonprofits) must be independently owned and operated, and home-based, street-front or office-based organizations. Organizations may apply to multiple categories. Award winners from the last 2 years will not be eligible to win again in the same category.

Benefits

Winning an award is an excellent opportunity to gain exposure for your company and earn recognition for your achievements.

Winners receive:

  • Recognition during the Small Business Awards & Summer Celebration, which will be held July 10, 2025 at UC San Diego Campus.
  • Award engraved with company name
  • Official award winner logo to put on your website, email signature, or marketing materials
  • Digital and social media recognition
  • Complimentary tabletop exhibit at a future Chamber mixer

Finalists receive:

  • Recognition at the Small Business Awards Mixer and listing in the event program
  • Email and Social recognition to the Chamber’s 8000+ subscribers.
  • Digital and social media recognition

Testimonials

“Snake Oil Cocktail Company was honored to be recognized with the Chamber’s Customers First Award in 2024. The added visibility enhanced our profile and expanded our visibility with new clientele. This recognition affirmed our commitment to excellence and further solidified our position as a leader in the hospitality industry. The added bonus was the positive momentum and energy it created internally with our team.”

Tana Lorah | Chief Operating Officer, Snake Oil Cocktail Company

“As a nonprofit agency in the senior space, ElderHelp of San Diego works hard to convey the message that there are too many seniors in San Diego whose safety net has failed them. Those seniors are almost invisible, and we look forward to any opportunity to get the word out. We are very pleased that our Bill Trumpfheller Social Impact Award allowed a new audience to learn about ElderHelp and its social impact for seniors.”

Gretchen Veihl | Director of Philanthropy, ElderHelp

Sonia Gibson“Being the recipient of the 2024 Community-Minded Small Business Award significantly enhanced Sonia’s Healthy Corner credibility and highlighted our commitment to making San Diego communities thrive. The recognition opened doors to new business opportunities and valuable partnerships. It brought increased visibility through local media coverage and community support. I am deeply grateful for this honor, as it reinforced our mission and allowed us to connect with individuals and organizations that share our values. Thank you for believing in the work Sonia’s Healthy Corner is doing in the community. Together, we create change.”

Sonia Cervantes | CHC, Nutritionist, Sonia’s Healthy Corner

Award Categories

Sponsorships for these awards are available!  

Customers First

Customer service is what sets this organization apart from the competition.

Outstanding Diversity-Owned Business (Veteran, Minority, Woman, LGBTQIA+ or DBE)

This award celebrates the success of a small diversity-owned business that is contributing to the growth and diversity of the San Diego economy.

Nonprofit Leader

This award recognizes a nonprofit organization contributing to meaningful change in the lives of those it serves and helping to make our region the best place to live and work.

Community All-Star

This award celebrates a small business that epitomizes community spirit – fostering connections, helping others, or leading an initiative/program focused on making a positive impact within its community..

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