As Fort Worth wraps up National Small Business Week, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce applications are officially open for its annual Small Business of the Year Award, presented by Bank of Texas. Applications will be accepted through Friday, July 12 at 5:00 p.m. Both Chamber members and non-members are encouraged to apply at Small Business of the Year Award - Fort Worth Chamber. 

This award celebrates businesses that exemplify best practices in operations, leadership and community impact. Finalists and winners gain meaningful recognition and exposure across the Fort Worth business community. 

The award recognizes excellence across four categories: 

• 1 to 20 employees (in business 3+ years as of May 1, 2025) 
• 21 to 50 employees (in business 3+ years as of May 1, 2025) 
• 51 to 150 employees (in business 3+ years as of May 1, 2025) 
• Emerging Business (1 to 100 employees, in business fewer than 3 years as of May 1, 2025) 

Applications will be evaluated using a weighted scoring system focused on talent and culture (45 points), challenges faced and addressed in 2024 (30 points), and community involvement (25 points).  

“When we founded Quorum 33 years ago, our focus was on serving and supporting people – clients and staff,” said Scott Wilson, co-founder of Quorum Architects, “Winning Small Business of the Year from the Chamber was especially significant because it reinforced our continued vision that providing a supportive work environment in a vibrant city attracts and inspires people to be their best and leads to success for all.”   

To help select the finalists, the Chamber is inviting professionals from across the region to serve as online judges. Judges will receive blind applications and clear scoring guidelines and will complete their reviews during the week of August 4. The judging process typically takes one to two hours and can be done on your own schedule. 

“Last year was my first time to participate in the online judging process and I was blown away by the quality of the nominees,” said J. Terry Smith, DFW Regional President of InterBank. “It was so inspiring to see the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice of these entrepreneurs put in as they work to achieve their dreams of owning their own successful businesses. I am proud to participate with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce in helping to recognize their efforts.” 

Volunteer judges will receive a complimentary ticket to the Small Business of the Year Awards Luncheon on October 16 as a thank-you for their contribution. Those interested in serving as a judge can sign up here: Volunteer Judge Sign-Up. 

Finalists will be invited for interviews in September, and winners will be announced at the October luncheon. 

Though Small Business Week has come to an end, the Fort Worth Chamber remains committed year-round to championing small business success and celebrating the entrepreneurs whose work drives economic growth and strengthens our community. To learn more, visit fortworthchamber.com.