Who may be nominated?
All nominees must live or work in the Niagara Region. The entrepreneur must be the key person responsible for the success and growth of a Niagara-based company. Partners who are equally responsible for entrepreneurial achievement may be named as co-nominees, provided each meets all criteria. The nominations committee will make the final decision regarding the category best suited to the nature of the application. No company or individual may win a specific award more than once; however previous award recipients may compete in other categories for which they qualify.
What is the nomination process?
- Complete this Preliminary Nomination Form (Download the Form) and return it to our office by fax 905.688.3502 as soon as possible.
- Once nominations open and we receive your Preliminary Nomination Form, we will send you a complete Nomination Kit including details on completing the Nomination Package. Return the completed Nomination Package to our office at the above address by September 12, 2011. Incomplete entries cannot be considered.
- After Nominations close on September 12, 2011, a vetting committee will review all nominations for completeness and verify data where required before submitting packages to our independent Judging Panels.
- All Nominees will be invited to attend our Nominees Reception in November 2011 and an announcement listing all Nominees will be released to the Media. During the judging period, NEYA actively works to garner media coverage for the pool of nominees. You may be contacted by the media for interviews, comments, etc.
- Award Recipients are selected by our independent Judging Panels made up of past Niagara Entrepreneur of The Year Award Recipients and leading figures from the business and academic communities. Some of the judging criteria include annual sales and employee numbers, together with such factors as degree of innovation, development of creative and ingenious product and production, marketing and selling techniques, extent of expansion into national and international markets, and commitment to the community.
- All Nominees will be recognized at our Awards Gala in February 2012. Nominees will be profiled and Award Recipients will be announced and presented with the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Award in their category.
Rewards of Participation
As a nominee, you will benefit from:
- Regional media coverage
- Opportunity for editorial profile
- Certificate of nomination
- Recognition and networking opportunities at the Nominee Reception in November and at the Gala Awards Evening in February
- Profiled in our multimedia presentation during the Gala Awards evening
Additionally, as an award recipient, you are rewarded with:
- Recognition in post-event regional newspaper advertising and profile on the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards website and link to your website
- Opportunity to address guests during our Gala Awards evening
- Historical record of your achievement and public recognition of your company and employees
- Inclusion in the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards alumni group
- Opportunity to advance to regional and national awards
