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.
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
Deadline
Submissions must be received by Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. PDT to be eligible. Winners will be announced live at the Small Business Awards & Summer Mixer on July 10, 2025.
Award Categories
Sponsorships for these awards are available!
Customers First
Customer service is what sets this organization apart from the competition.
Rising Business
This award recognizes a newer small business contributing to our region’s economic vitality with demonstrated revenue growth and staying power. The business must have operated for less than five years.
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.