Small Business Commission awards focuses on COVID-19 perseverance in 2020

PIMA COUNTY, August 31, 2020 – The Pima County Small Business Commission is accepting nominations for the 2020 Small Business of the Year Awards. The Commission presents the awards each year, judging nominees on criteria such as company culture, positive impact on Pima County and community involvement.

This year, the 2020 awards program is presented at a time of difficulties for Pima County small businesses and nonprofits due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Consequently, the 2020 awards program has been revised to honor three small businesses and/or nonprofits that have demonstrated outstanding qualities and actions of leadership, innovation and advocacy.

At least one awardee selected in 2020 will be located outside of Tucson city limits. Each successful awardee will receive $500. Presentation of the 2020 Small Business Awards will be made at a Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Below are the eligibility guidelines for nominees:

• Be located in Pima County (may be a branch or division of a larger company).
• Be owned or managed by a Pima County resident.
• Be in operation for at least two years.
• Employ fewer than 100 employees. 

Application Procedures

• All 2020 award nominations must but be submitted using the online application form.
• Nominations may be submitted by either a small business/nonprofit organization owner/manager or by a customer or client of a small business/nonprofit organization.
• Nomination applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.
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Past winners of the Small Business of the Year Award:

2019: Rural Award - Westgate Garden Design; Urban Award – Cabling Solutions Group; Non-profit Award – (No award presented at the Commission’s discretion.)

2017/2018 (combined): Rural Award – Miura Contracting; Urban Award – Kool Air Manufacturing

2017: Rural Award – Miura Contracting, LLC; Urban Award –Kool Air Manufacturing LLC

2017: Non-Profit Award – Pima Community College Small Business Development Center

2016: Rural Award - Vistoso Automotive; Urban Award - Plum Windows & Doors, Inc.

2015: Rural Award – Bling by Design; Urban Award - Aztera

2014: Rural Award - Golden Goose Thrift Store in Catalina; Urban Award - The Planning Center

2013: Rural Award - Ajo Transportation; Urban award - Casa de los Niño’s Thrift store

2012: Joint Technical Education District

2011: Gasoline Alley, an automobile repair and restoration business in Green Valley

2010: Microbusiness Advancement Center

Media Contact: Patrick Cavanaugh

Deputy Director, Economic Development Office

(520) 724-3296 

patrick.cavanaugh1@pima.gov