Apply for CalChamber’s Small Business Awards
Do you own a small business? Do you know a small business making a difference in their community? CalChamber is thrilled to announce our Small Business Awards, honoring four outstanding businesses. Self-nominate or nominate an outstanding small business that’s showing leadership and resilience while contributing to their community, and that business could win a $5,000 grant and recognition at the California Business Outlook Dinner. The application deadline is April 11, 2025, at 11:59 p.m., and four $5,000 grant winners (including two for fire-impacted businesses) will be announced the week of May 5, 2025.
California’s small businesses are the backbone of its economy. California’s 4.1 million small businesses employ 7.5 million workers and comprise 99% of all California businesses. California has more small businesses than any other state — and 98% of them employ fewer than 20 employees.
To qualify for this grant, businesses must meet the definition of “Small Business” per California Government Code Section 14837:
- Be independently owned and operated.
- Have a principal office and officers in California.
- Have 100 or fewer employees.
- Have an average annual gross revenue of $15 million or less over the past three years.
- Be available to attend the California Business Outlook Dinner in Sacramento.
- Please review additional Terms & Conditions.
The California Business Outlook Dinner will be June 4, 2025. This grant is made possible through the support and partnership of Visit California, California New Car Dealers Association (CNCDA), the California Retailers Association, the California Restaurant Association, Western Growers and the Sacramento Host Committee, who share the California Chamber of Commerce commitment to championing California’s small businesses.
Winners will be selected in the following categories:
- One small business affected by the Eaton Fire (LA area).
- One small business affected by the Palisades Fire (LA area).
- Two small businesses representing the Greater California Area.
Apply now to showcase your business and gain recognition for your hard work and innovation.