Nominations accepted for the Annual Leesburg Small Business Awards

Nominations are being accepted for the 2024 Leesburg Small Business Awards, scheduled for Wednesday, May 1 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A location will be announced at a later date.

This year’s event will feature six categories:

Community Ambassador Award – celebrates a business or organization that contributes its time, talent, and resources to promote a positive image of Leesburg. Candidates go beyond the daily routine of their work to reach deeper into the Leesburg community to assist others, locate or grow a business, bring attention and recognition to the community as a business location, and/or tourist destination that is a safe place to locate, live, and explore.

Innovations Award – celebrates a business or organization that executes an innovative business venture, unique product development, or other cutting edge business practice.

New/Expanding Business Award – celebrates a new or expanding business that either registered as a new business or expanded their current operations/investment in Leesburg between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2022. The successful candidate will promote the unique business culture of Leesburg while acting as a pioneer in enriching the Town’s future.

Arts and Culture Award – celebrates a business, organization, or individual that contributes to or actively supports the arts within the Town of Leesburg.

Non-Profit/Philanthropic Award – celebrates an organization that serves or benefits Leesburg residents and/or businesses and demonstrates, through direct involvement, exceptional commitment to the community. Examples may include providing resource support, financial support, and/or leadership to enhance the quality of life in Leesburg for residents and visitors. This organization should be a registered charitable organization or be incorporated as a nonprofit organization.

The George C. Marshall Award – celebrates an individual who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to the community above and beyond business contributions. Entries in this category are awarded to community leaders who have demonstrated leadership, vision, and community service that our esteemed George C. Marshall would have admired. Individuals are not required to be Leesburg residents but must be connected to a Leesburg business or organization.

People’s Choice Award – new this year, the public will be invited to cast their vote online and choose which of the six nominees is their favorite. Stay tuned for more information. 

Eligible nominees for all categories must have the primary physical location of the company, organization, or business entity within the corporate limits of the Town of Leesburg. In the case of the non-profit/philanthropic award, the organization must serve the Leesburg community but does not have to be headquartered in Leesburg.

Businesses must possess a valid Town of Leesburg business license or be a registered non-profit organization with the Town, be in compliance with all Town regulations, and have been in operation for at least one year. Persons nominated for the George C. Marshall Corporate Citizen Award do not need to reside within the Town.

The nomination form, including award criteria and helpful hints on submitting competitive nominations, can be found online. The submission deadline is Thursday, Feb. 22. For more information, contact Melanie Scoggins at 571-271-1206 or mscoggins@leesburgva.gov.