Greater Louisville Inc. continues accepting applications and nominations for the 2017 Inc.credible Awards.  The annual awards celebrate small businesses within the Greater Louisville region. Since 2000, the Inc.credible Awards have recognized more than 95 small, local businesses for their ongoing contributions to our community’s economic vitality.

“Small businesses make our region unique and vibrant. They attract new people and keep our economy fresh by constantly innovating. The Inc.credible Awards are our way of honoring their achievements,” Kent Oyler, President & CEO of GLI, said.

GLI will recognize small businesses in the following seven categories this year:

Very Small Business of the Year Award (1-9 employees) presented by Mortenson Family Dental 

The winning company exemplifies both business and civic leadership. Community involvement, management practices and overall financial performance are the primary criteria for this category.

Small Business of the Year Award (10-100 employees)

The winning company exemplifies both business and civic leadership. Community involvement, management practices, and overall financial performance are the primary criteria for this category.

Innovation Award presented by Middleton Reutlinger

This award recognizes a small business that executes business initiatives which demonstrate innovative solutions for new and existing business needs. Initiatives can include but are not limited to projects, programs, processes, services, systems, technologies, developments, ventures, and undertakings.

Healthcare & Wellness Award

This award recognizes a business that is taking steps to increase overall wellbeing, whether by introducing innovative solutions to the healthcare field or whether by implementing an organization-wide health and wellness program. The company must be committed to improving lifelong wellness for individuals inside and outside of their organization.

Manufacturing & Logistics Award

This award will go to the manufacturing company that best demonstrates the use of effective, lean methodologies and techniques that focus on improvements in: quality; cost; productivity; physical waste reduction, and non-value adding activities; customer service; and safety.

Non-Profit Impact Award

This award is presented to the small business that is seen as a leader in the Greater Louisville community. This business has made significant contributions to advancing arts and culture in Greater Louisville and sees community investment as a core part of the company’s values.

People’s Choice Award presented by Right Angle

The winner of this award is selected through an online ballot.  All of the 2017 Inc.credible Awards finalists will be eligible.

Finalists will be announced in July.  The awards will be presented at the Inc.credible Awards the evening of August 24^th, 2017 at the Kentucky Center for the Arts in a completely revamped program. It’s only $25 to attend!

To apply for or nominate a small business, email awards@greaterlouisville.com. Applicants must be businesses with less than 100 employees, locally-owned and operated in the Louisville region. They must have been in business prior to January 1, 2014 and not have received an Inc.credible Award in the last three years. Small businesses do not have to be a GLI member and self-nominations are encouraged.

There is also the opportunity to sponsor the new and improved 2017 Inc.credible Awards, please contact Lauren Beckley to find out how your company can get involved in this exciting opportunity.