We are excited to announce that nominations for the 2014 Small Business Influencer Awards closed at the end of August with more than 600 nominees. We are now in the community voting stage. Community voting lasts until september 15, 2014.
The Small Business Influencer Awards recognize those companies, people, apps and organizations that support the small business market in North America.
The nominations give an impressive view into the small business market. We’ve got companies, experts, journalists, apps, and leaders nominated. Also, this year there are two new categories. One is for Growth Story and another is for Marketing Campaign.
Now that we’re in the voting phase, please go over and check out who is nominated. And show your support. The list of nominees in alphabetical order is here.
Remember that the Top 100 Influencer Champions will be chosen by a judging panel of experts from the small business market. You can check out the judges here.
Also, there is community voting, so that the community can show their support. The community voting will determine the Community Choice winners (a category of honorees separate from the Top 100 Champions). The community voting is just one of NUMEROUS factors considered by the judges. In the past, a large number of community votes has not necessarily equated to earning a Top 100 Influencer Champion slot. It is a factor that the judges will consider (because after all, the Awards measure how much influence nominees have in their respective industries and circles). But many other important factors are taken into account by the judges.
Do be aware that we have worked diligently to build in quality control to the voting process over the past four years. And remember that the judging process is independent of the community voting. To be named a Top 100 Influencer Champion means that a panel of experts who live and breathe small business everyday, have judged the Top 100 Champions.
Winners and Gala
The Top 100 Influencer Champions will be announced in mid-September. The Awards Gala will be held at the Small Business Summit in New York, October 22, 2014. Save the date — and join us there!
Image credit: From 2013 Small Business Influencer Awards Gala
This is so exciting. Congratulations to all who made it. Let’s see what will happen next.