Executive's Small Business Awards

The King County Executive's Small Business Awards returned on Monday, October 7, 2024 with a spectacular awards event at Seattle Convention Center.

We were proud to honor the people who have taken the initiative to create and build businesses that serve our community. Congratulations to all the nominees, finalists, and especially to the winners in the eight categories.

We want to give a special thanks to our event sponsors, cities, chambers of commerce, and small business organizations that have partnered with us for many years to convene this event. These partners are rooted in commitment and passion to support local businesses and communities, and we are all stronger together because of them.

Award Categories

Small Business of the Year

The U.S. Census Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were 71,070 non-farm firms with employees in King County during 2010, and 95% of these had 50 or fewer employees. The challenges to operating a small business are infinite and often daunting, but the collective contributions of small businesses are vital to the diversity and growth of the county's economy. On behalf of all small businesses throughout the county, this award is given to the small business that best exemplifies the tenacity, perspicacity, and audacity it takes to successfully operate a small business.

Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 Survey of Business Owners showed that minority-owned businesses accounted for 21.3% of all non-farm U.S. businesses. King County's percentage of minority-owned businesses was over 13%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the minority-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by minority-owned businesses in King County.

Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year

The U.S. Census Bureau's 2007 Survey of Business Owners showed that women-owned businesses accounted for 28.7% of all non-farm U.S. businesses. King County had the 14th highest percentage among all U.S. counties for women-owned businesses at 29%. Given this significant ownership percentage, this award recognizes the woman-owned business that has attained outstanding business achievement and exemplifies the significant contributions made by women-owned businesses in King County.

Exporting Small Business of the Year

Economies grow through trade, by exporting their products and services globally. This brings in income which allows wages to rise and the tax base for critical public infrastructure and services to grow. Consistent with the President's National Export Initiative to double our nation's exports in five years, this award recognizes the small business that has achieved significant increased international sales through existing and/or new international markets.

Green/Sustainable Small Business of the Year

King County is a hotbed of innovation in the field of sustainability and has a rich history of environmental stewardship. This award recognizes the small business that has achieved excellence in the creation and implementation of sustainable business practices. Practices include waste and recycling programs, water stewardship, energy management, efficiency in the built environment, or any other significant effort designed to limit the way a business impacts our local environment.

Workforce Small Business of the Year

A skilled workforce is vital to the growth of businesses and our economy. This award recognizes the small business with outstanding practices in hiring, retaining, and developing the skills of its workers. Practices include on-the-job training or support for ongoing skill development; partnerships with other businesses, education institutions, community organizations or government agencies; internships, mentorships or other practices that allow young people to learn about and gain skills in the business/industry; or other practices that demonstrate effective and innovative hiring, retention and training.

Rural Small Business of the Year

The rural economy is an important link to the urban area and provides opportunities for residents to both live and work in the rural area. The King County Strategic Plan supports rural economic development that maintains the character of the rural area. This award recognizes the small business that has achieved excellence in one of the traditional rural industry clusters - agriculture, forestry, equine, home-based, or other.

Creative Economy Small Business of the Year

The creative businesses of King County make our region culturally vibrant and economically strong, while uplifting our quality of life. The award for Creative Economy Small Business of the Year recognizes the small business with outstanding achievement in the generation or production of art, film, music, design, media, architecture, fashion, advertising, or gaming, demonstrating agility and innovation in response to market need and contributing to the growth of the economy in our region.