Not-For-Profit*: This award will be presented to a 501 C (3) not-for-profit for developing an outstanding business that is meeting needs within Seminole County. A growing business with innovative product(s) and approach that is increasing jobs, increasing opportunity, overcoming adversity, and providing community contributions. (*Financial criteria required)
Who is eligible to be nominated for this award?
Any 501 C (3) business who operates primarily in Seminole County.
In evaluating the nomination packages, the judges will look at the following criteria:
1. Staying power — a substantiated history as an established business; including:
• Number of years in business.
• Sustained expansion, addition of territories, growth in square footage occupied.
• Steady growth in clients served as evidenced by total unduplicated individuals served over three years.
2. Growth in number of employees —a benchmark to judge the impact of the business
on the job market.
• Sustained over a minimum of three years.
• Increase over the three years must be in unduplicated numbers served.
3. Increase in sales or contributions — an indication of continued growth over the last
three years.
• Consistent growth in net income as evidenced by fiscal year annual profit-and-loss
statements for a minimum of three years.
4. Current and past financial performance — financial reports substantiate an improved
financial position of the business.
• Profit-and-loss statements for the last three years, reflecting sustained upward growth.
• Balance sheets for the last three years, showing consistent increase in net worth and/or
partners’ return.
5. Innovativeness of product or service offered — an illustration of the creativity and
imagination of the nominee.
• Specific description of uniqueness of product or service.
• Explanation of how service fits a niche not being adequately addressed by others.
6. Response to adversity — examples of problems faced in the nominee’s business and
the methods used to solve them, including:
• Specific description of financial, physical, legal or other crisis.
• Substantiation of the threat to the continuity of the business.
• Defined actions taken by the nominee to resolve the crisis.
7. Contributions to community-oriented projects — evidence of the use of time and resources employees gave to other organizations and community efforts, including:
• Listing of specific contributions of money, time, or resources to charitable causes.
• Membership in councils, boards and clubs providing support and services to the
community.