Nominate a Business Professional Today!

We can’t honor the special women in our community without your help! Please take some time to nominate a professional you think deserves to be recognized using the forms below.

Hurry! Deadline to nominate is Friday, June 26th, 2026

Nominations are now closed.

Please gather all materials before submission.
Attendance is required for winners

Business Leader of the Year

Each year the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce recognizes a remarkable woman who exemplifies the qualities of outstanding leadership, exceptional business acumen and selfless service to the community. Businesses and individuals are invited to submit nominations no later than June 26, 2026.

Criteria

The Accolades nomination process is designed to recognize women that go above and beyond in their contributions to business, leadership, and community impact. Nominees should not only meet the outlined criteria but strive to demonstrate excellence beyond their daily responsibilities of their job. Each nomination should clearly articulate how she excels in the listed categories, providing concrete examples of leadership, innovation, and service. She doesn’t have to meet each criterion, but the more she has the stronger the nomination. To ensure fairness, nominees are not automatically finalists; rather, a select group will be chosen based on merit. To enhance the submission process, we encourage the use of a concise, well-structured narrative within character limits, ensuring clarity and impact.

Eligibility

Nominees may be owners, consultants, or employees in a corporation, business or government organization with a business orientation.
Membership is not required. Nominees need not be a current or former member of SCWCC to be considered.
SCWCC board members or SCWCC foundation board members are not eligible for nomination.
Demonstrated leadership impact and results for her company, employees and community, through her coaching/mentoring, transparency and code of ethics.
Demonstrated effectiveness in improving the environment for the creation and expansion of women owned businesses.
Demonstrated philanthropic activities that benefit other women owned businesses and the Colorado Springs Community.
Advocacy of the women-owned business community as a whole, not solely for individual personal advancement.
Exemplified resourcefulness, despite trials and tribulations that presented themselves since January 1, 2025.
Past recipients are not eligible to be nominated again in the same award category, and individuals may be nominated in only one category per year.

In the form below, please provide the following

Answer the questions to show how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category since January 1, 2025.
A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.
Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.
Nominees must be available to attend the awards event in person on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and accept the award. If a nominee is unable to attend, they will be disqualified.

Deadline

Nominations and all support materials must be received by June 26, 2026 via the online submission form. A high-resolution headshot photo MUST accompany the nomination and the narrative. The nomination must be complete upon submission, or it will not be accepted.

For questions, please see the nomination guidelines online, call 719-442-2007, or email info@scwcc.com. Annual Awards will be presented on August 13, 2026 – and all nominees must be available to accept the award in person, at the event or will be disqualified.

Nominee Name*
Nominee Profession*

Nominee Title*
Nominee Company*

Nominee Email*
Nominee Phone*

Nominee LinkedIn Profile

Provide a brief narrative that supports how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category over the past year and should include the following:*

• Demonstrated effectiveness in improving the environment for the creation and expansion of women owned businesses.

• Demonstrated philanthropic activities that benefit other women owned businesses and the Colorado Springs Community.

• Advocacy of the women-owned business community as a whole, not solely for individual personal advancement.

• Exemplified resourcefulness, despite trials and tribulations that presented themselves since January 1, 2025.

• List of recognitions or acknowledgements by industry peers, or the communities in which she does business.

• Demonstrated leadership impact and results for her company, employees and community, through her coaching/mentoring, transparency and code of ethics.

A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.*

Second 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee, if available. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

Your Name*
Your Title*

Your Company*
Your Profession*

Your Email*
Your Phone*

Member of the Year

The SCWCC Member of the Year award category recognizes excellence and accomplishment among current member individuals and businesses that support the mission of economic vitality in all women-owned, women-driven and women-friendly enterprise in the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado. Businesses and individuals are invited to submit nominations no later than June 26, 2026.

Eligibility

Nominees must be members in good standing of the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
SCWCC board members and SCWCC Foundation Board Members are not eligible for nomination.
Accolades committee members cannot be nominated
Demonstrate regular engagement at SCWCC programs and events through interaction with new, prospective and existing member attendees.
Consistent promotion of the SCWCC Mission Statement while upholding the image of the SCWCC.
Advocate for doing business with and promoting other Chamber businesses, fostering positive relationships between the SCWCC and the community.
List of recognitions or acknowledgements by industry peers, or the communities in which they do business.

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Nominations and all support materials must be received by June 26, 2026 via the online submission form. The nomination must be complete upon submission or it will not be accepted.

Nominee Name*
Nominee Profession*

Nominee Title*
Nominee Company*

Nominee Email*
Nominee Phone*

Nominee LinkedIn Profile

Provide a narrative that supports how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category over the past year

• Consistent promotion of the SCWCC Mission Statement while upholding the image of the SCWCC.

• Advocate for doing business with and promoting other Chamber businesses, fostering positive relationships between the SCWCC and the community.

• List of recognitions or acknowledgements by industry peers, or the communities in which they do business.

Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.*

A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee.* You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

If you have a second letter of recommendation, please submit that here. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

Your Name*
Your Title*

Your Company*
Your Profession*

Your Email*
Your Phone*

Entrepreneur of the Year

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award (formerly Don Brown Entrepreneur Award) recognizes the tenacity and determination required to succeed as a female entrepreneur, celebrating women who have taken the risk of starting and growing their own businesses in the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado. Businesses and individuals are invited to submit nominations no later than June 26, 2026.

Eligibility

Criteria

The entrepreneur should be:

Taking smart risks and evolving to meet changing circumstances.
Seeking out expert advice and wisdom, and proactively growing her own knowledge. She is naturally curious.
Innovating, planning for the future, and distinguishing herself from the field. She is taking the long road rather than just quick wins.
Noting contributions to the community through charitable leadership roles.
Demonstrate the ability to overcome adversity.
Provide a list of recognitions or acknowledgements by industry peers, or the communities in which they do business.
The individual must own a business that has been registered with the Secretary of State for at least one year as of May 31, 2026.

In the form below, please provide the following

Answer the questions to show how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category since January 1, 2025.
A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.
Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.
Nominees must be available to attend the awards event in person on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and accept the award. If a nominee is unable to attend, they will be disqualified.

Deadline

Nominations and all support materials must be received by June 26, 2026 via the online submission form. The nomination must be complete upon submission or it will not be accepted.

For questions, please see the nomination guidelines online, call 719-442-2007, or email info@scwcc.com. Annual Awards will be presented on August 13, 2026 — and all nominees must be available to accept the award in person, at the event or will be disqualified.

Nominee Name*
Nominee Profession*

Nominee Title*
Nominee Company*

Nominee Email*
Nominee Phone*

Nominee LinkedIn Profile

Provide a short narrative that supports how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category over the past year.*

Describe a specific risk taken in the last year and the measurable outcome.

Seeking out expert advice and wisdom, and proactively growing her own knowledge. She is naturally curious.

Innovating, planning for the future, and distinguishing herself from the field. She is taking the long road rather than just quick wins.

Noting contributions to the community through charitable leadership roles.

Provide a list of recognitions or acknowledgements by industry peers, or the communities in which they do business.

Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.*

A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.*

Second 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee, if available. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

Your Name*
Your Title*

Your Company*
Your Profession*

Your Email*
Your Phone*

Veteran Owned Business of the Year

The SCWCC Veteran Owned Business award category recognizes excellence and accomplishment among women who are veteran business owners and businesses that support the mission of economic vitality in women-owned, women-driven and women-friendly enterprise in the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado. Businesses and individuals are invited to submit nominations no later than June 26, 2026.

Eligibility

Be a veteran and woman owned business.
The individual must own a business that has been registered with the Secretary of State for at least one year as of May 31, 2026.
SCWCC board members or SCWCC foundation board members are not eligible for nomination.
Contributions to the economic vitality of Colorado Springs, through her leadership.
Demonstrated effectiveness and advocacy in improving environment for the creation and expansion of woman/veteran owned businesses in Colorado Springs.
Past recipients are not eligible to be nominated again in the same award category, and individuals may be nominated in only one category per year.

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Nominations and all support materials must be received by June 26, 2026 via the online submission form. The nomination must be complete upon submission or it will not be accepted.

Nominee Name*
Nominee Profession*

Nominee Title*
Nominee Company*

Nominee Email*
Nominee Phone*

Nominee LinkedIn Profile

Provide a narrative that supports how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category over the past year.*

• Contributions to the economic vitality of Colorado Springs, through her leadership.

• Demonstrated effectiveness and advocacy in improving environment for the creation and expansion of woman/veteran owned businesses in Colorado Springs.

Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.*

A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.*

Second 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee, if available. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

Your Name*
Your Title*

Your Company*
Your Profession*

Your Email*
Your Phone*

Minority Owned Business of the Year

The SCWCC Minority Owned Business award category recognizes excellence and accomplishment among individuals and businesses that support the mission of minority economic vitality in all women-owned, women-driven and women-friendly enterprise in the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado. Businesses and individuals are invited to submit nominations no later than June 26, 2026.

Eligibility

Be a woman owned and a minority owned business.
The individual must own a business that has been registered with the Secretary of State for at least one year as of May 31, 2026.
SCWCC board members or SCWCC foundation board members are not eligible for nomination.
Membership is not required. Nominees need not be a current or former member of SCWCC to be considered.
Contributions to the economic vitality of Colorado Springs, through her leadership.
Demonstrated effectiveness and advocacy in improving environment for the creation and expansion of woman/minority owned businesses in Colorado Springs.
Past recipients are not eligible to be nominated again in the same award category, and individuals may be nominated in only one category per year.

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Nominations and all support materials must be received by June 26, 2026 via the online submission form. The nomination must be complete upon submission or it will not be accepted.

Nominee Name*
Nominee Profession*

Nominee Title*
Nominee Company*

Nominee Email*
Nominee Phone*

Nominee LinkedIn Profile

Provide a narrative that supports how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category over the past year.*

• Contributions to the economic vitality of Colorado Springs, through her leadership.

• Demonstrated effectiveness and advocacy in improving environment for the creation and expansion of woman/minority owned businesses in Colorado Springs.

Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.*

A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.*

Second 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee, if available. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

Your Name*
Your Title*

Your Company*
Your Profession*

Your Email*
Your Phone*

Emerging Leader of the Year

To recognize career excellence, creativity and initiative, the SCWCC Emerging Leader of the Year will be a young professional woman who serves as a role model for peers in the Pikes Peak Region and Southern Colorado. Businesses and individuals are invited to submit nominations no later than June 26, 2026.

Eligibility

Nominees must be 39 years of age, or younger as of Aug. 13, 2026.
Membership is not required. Nominees need not be a current or former member of SCWCC to be considered. Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by others.
SCWCC board members or SCWCC foundation board members are not eligible for nomination.
Demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, personal creativity, and a determination to be successful in their career, community and personal life.
Demonstrated ethical decision-making skills.
Civic engagement is pertinent to not only the nominee, but the community at large. Share the nominee’s activities, the goal of those activities and the final outcome of their efforts.
Describe three reasons as to why the nominee will continue to grow five (5) years into her career.
Demonstrated effectiveness in improving environment for the creation and expansion of women in the work force.
Past recipients are not eligible to be nominated again in the same award category, and individuals may be nominated in only one category per year.

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Nominations and all support materials must be received by June 26, 2026 via the online submission form. The nomination must be complete upon submission or it will not be accepted.

Nominee Name*
Nominee Profession*

Nominee Title*
Nominee Company*

Nominee Email*
Nominee Phone*

Nominee Date of Birth*
Nominee LinkedIn Profile

Provide a narrative that supports how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category over the past year.*

• Demonstrates a high level of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, personal creativity, and a determination to be successful in their career, community and personal life. Demonstrated ethical decision-making skills.

• Civic engagement is pertinent to not only the nominee, but the community at large. Share the nominee’s activities, the goal of those activities and the final outcome of their efforts.

• Describe three reasons as to why the nominee will continue to grow five (5) years into their career.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in improving environment for the creation and expansion of women in the work force.

Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.*

A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.*

Second 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee, if available. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

Your Name*
Your Title*

Your Company*
Your Profession*

Your Email*
Your Phone*

Non-Profit Leader of the Year

New this year, the Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce recognizes a remarkable woman who exemplifies outstanding leadership, meaningful mission impact, and selfless service to the Pikes Peak region and broader Southern Colorado community. Individuals are invited to submit nominations no later than June 26, 2026.

Eligibility

Nominees may be executive directors, board members, volunteers or development directors in a nonprofit organization.
Membership is not required. Nominees need not be a current or former member of SCWCC to be considered.
SCWCC board members or SCWCC foundation board members are not eligible for nomination.
Demonstrated leadership impact and results for her organization, employees, volunteers and community, through her leadership, transparency and code of ethics.
Demonstrated effectiveness in improving the community in which she serves.
Advocacy of the women-owned business community or women services as a whole, not solely for personal advancement.
Exemplified resourcefulness, despite trials and tribulations that presented themselves since January 1, 2025.
Past recipients are not eligible to be nominated again in the same award category, and individuals may be nominated in only one category per year.

Criteria

The Nonprofit Leader of the Year award celebrates women who demonstrate leadership that extends beyond their role to create lasting impact within their organization and community.

Nominees should demonstrate excellence in several of the following areas:

Leadership & Vision: Inspires other women through clear direction, strong values, and effective leadership.
Mission Impact: Demonstrates tangible results in advancing their organization’s mission, programs, or services.
Community Engagement: Builds partnerships, fosters collaboration, and strengthens connections.
Stewardship & Ethics: Models transparency, accountability, and responsible use of resources.
Resilience & Resourcefulness: Navigates challenges with creativity, adaptability, and determination since January 1, 2025.

Nominees are not required to meet every criterion; however, stronger nominations will include multiple areas with clear, specific examples.

Finalists will be selected based on merit through a competitive review process.

In the form below, please provide the following

Answer the questions to show how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category since January 1, 2025.
A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.
Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.
Nominees must be available to attend the awards event in person on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., and accept the award. If a nominee is unable to attend, they will be disqualified.

Deadline

Nominations and all support materials must be received by June 26, 2026 via the online submission form. The nomination must be complete upon submission, or it will not be accepted.

Nominee Name*
Nominee Profession*

Nominee Title*
Nominee Company*

Nominee Email*
Nominee Phone*

Nominee LinkedIn Profile

Provide a narrative that supports how the nominee has met the stated criteria and achievements in the category over the past year.*

Describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership within her organization. Include examples of how she has influenced staff, volunteers, board members, or stakeholders, and the results of her leadership.

Provide specific examples of how the nominee has advanced the mission of her organization and improved outcomes for those served. How has her work strengthened the Pikes Peak region and broader Southern Colorado community?

Describe how the nominee has supported, empowered, or advocated for women—whether through women-owned businesses, nonprofit services, mentorship, or community initiatives.

Explain how the nominee demonstrates integrity, accountability, and ethical leadership in her work. Include examples of responsible stewardship of resources, donor trust, or organizational transparency.

Share how the nominee has navigated challenges in the last year. What obstacles has she faced, and how has she demonstrated creativity, adaptability, or perseverance?

List any awards, honors, or notable recognition the nominee has received, along with any measurable accomplishments (e.g., funds raised, programs expanded, people served, partnerships formed).

Up to 125 words of biographical information on the nominee.*

A 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.*

Second 3rd party letter of recommendation for the nominee, if available. You are limited to two 3rd party letters of recommendation.

Your Name*
Your Title*

Your Company*
Your Profession*

Your Email*
Your Phone*

Nominate a Business Professional Today!

Nominations are now closed.

Please gather all materials before submission.
Attendance is required for winners

Business Leader of the Year

Criteria

Eligibility

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Member of the Year

Eligibility

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Entrepreneur of the Year

Eligibility

Criteria

The entrepreneur should be:

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Veteran Owned Business of the Year

Eligibility

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Minority Owned Business of the Year

Eligibility

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Emerging Leader of the Year

Eligibility

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Non-Profit Leader of the Year

Eligibility

Criteria

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Mailing Address

Office Address

Contact Us

Nominate a Business Professional Today!

Nominations are now closed.

Please gather all materials before submission. *Attendance is required for winners*

Business Leader of the Year

Criteria

Eligibility

In the form below, please provide the following

Deadline

Mailing Address

Office Address

Contact Us

Please gather all materials before submission.
Attendance is required for winners