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Awards Criteria & Selection Process |
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Nominated companies must meet the following criteria: - Employ fewer than 25 full-time employees (or full-time equivalents)
- Operate a for-profit business for three (3) or more years
- Be located within the Greater Kansas City area
Nominations are accepted from the business community from August 1 to mid-October each year. Qualified nominees complete an application and provide additional support materials that are reviewed by a panel of third-party judges from the business community. The panel of judges reviews the applicants and selects the final 25 honorees according to the following:
- Financial stability
- Ability to overcome obstacles/adversity/challenges
- Community involvement/service
- Distinguishing or defining characteristics/qualities
- Company vision
Nominations for the 2008 awards close on October 15, 2007. The 25 finalists are announced in mid-December, and events are scheduled throughout the following February and March to honor the finalists. Honorees are profiled in a special 25 Under 25® supplement in the February issue of Kansas City Small Business Monthly and invited to be guests on the “Eye on Small Business” radio show. In addition, sponsor Missouri Bank hosts a pre-gala dinner for the honorees in mid-February. The events culminate in an awards dinner and gala held on a Saturday night in late February or early March, featuring a networking reception, Wall of Fame, video salutes from Kansas City business leaders, catered sit-down dinner and awards presentation. |
