The Small Business Council, an affiliate of the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce, hosts their Business Person of the Year awards annually. This program recognizes business leaders who have demonstrated success in both civic and professional areas, specifically in the areas of growth, leadership, achievement, and community service. Candidates are nominated by their peers, and an independent committee reviews applications and selects the finalists. The Business Person of the Year will be selected from two categories: (i) businesses with more than 50 employees and (ii) businesses with fewer than 50 employees. The Business Person of the Year awards program celebrates the ultimate recipients in each category; this event has evolved into one of the premier networking and business recognition events in the Greater Rochester region. For many past winners, this recognition has vaulted their companies to new levels of success!

The 2024 BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

The Criteria:

The Business Person of the Year Award recognizes for-profit business leaders who have demonstrated success in both civic and professional areas, specifically in the areas of growth, leadership, achievement, and community service.

To be eligible for the Award, the for-profit business leader must have held a senior leadership position in their company for at least three full fiscal years. The Business Person of the Year may be, but need not be, the owner of their for-profit business.

The Small Business Council affiliate is committed to providing Greater Rochester Chamber small business members with programs to help local business leaders and their businesses, grow and prosper – both personally and professionally. Inherent in our efforts is dedication to four critical areas of focus – Coaching, Celebrating, Connecting, and Caring. In evaluating applications, the Selection Committee will pay close attention to how the applicant demonstrates commitment to these values. To read more about the four Cs, visit our website - Who We Are | SBC Rochester (rochestersbc.com).

We strongly encourage your nomination of for-profit local business leaders you believe demonstrate these criteria!

The Application: 

Although nominated by their peers, the application must be submitted by the applicant personally. The application and selection processes are detailed and rigorous. Many past winners have applied several times before being selected. Due to the many qualified participants, the selection committee strongly encourages prior applicants to reapply. Applicants have reported that just filling out the application has strengthened their businesses, even if they did not win the Award!

The Rewards: 

The top finalists in each category are announced in the Business Person of the Year Awards magazine, with a a feature article published about each. Additionally, a video is professionally

compiled for each of the top five finalists, shown live at the Business Person of the Year celebration event and may be used by the recipient for promotional purposes. Past finalists are also recognized at the Business Person of the Year celebration event each year.