SOMERSET, Ky. (May 8, 2015) — The 2015 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards (EIEA) program is seeking online nominations for the region’s top small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
The EIEA program—honoring excellence in entrepreneurship since 2001—promotes and recognizes entrepreneurs who exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship by creating and managing a successful business venture or nonprofit organization in the region.
Nominations will be accepted in four EIEA business categories: For-Profit Business (in existence five years or more); Start-Up Business (in existence less than five years); Not-for-Profit Entity (in existence at least six months) and Young Entrepreneur (25 years old or younger).
“Our region is filled with entrepreneurs who have built businesses within their communities that have changed the lives of the people who live there,” said 2015 EIEA Chairman Brett Traver, executive director of Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) “It’s these people who have worked diligently to manage and grow their businesses successfully that we seek to honor.”
To submit a nomination, visit kyean.org and fill out the online nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through June 5. Individuals and organizations may self nominate.
Nominees are judged on the economic success of the enterprise, contributions to the community, job creation, and entrepreneurial and business operational achievements. The program is open to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations within the EIEA service area in 55 Southern and Eastern Kentucky communities.
The top three finalists in each of the four EIEA business award categories will be recognized and the winners announced at an EIEA regional awards recognition program and luncheon on Sept. 14 at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.
“While entrepreneurs might simply see their venture as a way to provide for their families, they are also providing much-needed products or services and employment for families in their communities,” Traver said. “Please help us find those entrepreneurs who are changing the landscape of their communities and nominate them for the 2015 EIEA category for which they qualify.”
The EIEA program is sponsored by Eastern Kentucky University’s College of Business and Technology, Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation, Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation, and The Center for Rural Development.
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