Small Business Awards Applications are Now Open

April 1, 2022 – Sarasota

WHAT:           2022 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards

WHERE:         Hyatt Regency Sarasota | 1000 Blvd. of the Arts

WHEN:          11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

COST:            $65 for Chamber members;  $85 for non-members; 

$900 (Gold sponsor, ten seats) or $700 (Silver sponsor, five seats)

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (GSCC) announces the opening of applications for the 2022 Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Small Business Awards, presented by the Herald-Tribune. These awards recognize the leading organizations that are writing the next chapter of Sarasota’s legacy, and the deadline to apply is Monday, April 18 by 4:00 pm.

“The Sarasota Herald-Tribune & LOCALiQ is committed to supporting local commerce, enabling businesses to connect with customers where we live, work, and serve. We exist to empower local businesses with the knowledge and marketing support through our deep roots in the community, award-winning journalism, and industry-leading digital marketing services that spark growth and confidence in their ability to thrive with our help.” says Alfonso Montemayor II, Herald-Tribune Advertising Sales Manager.

Applications are scored by a panel of volunteer judges and three finalists are selected for interviews in each category. The winner in each category will be announced live and honored at the awards luncheon on Friday, June 17 at the Hyatt Regency Sarasota at 11:30 a.m.

The nine award categories are:

●       Small Business (1-25 employees) 

●       Medium Business (25-150 employees) 

●       Large Business (150+ employees) 

●       Community Impact 

●       Non-Profit Organization

●       Rising Star (within the first 3 years of business) 

●       Workforce Development & Innovation 

●       Woman-Owned Business 

●       Minority Business Award (new category of competition)

“Being nominated and selected as a top contender offers tremendous visibility for your business through Chamber publications and other earned media coverage. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the outstanding work of your staff which contributes to your organization’s success,” says Heather Kasten, President/CEO of the Sarasota Chamber

Interested applicants must fill out application forms that can be downloaded at  SarasotaChamber.com/2022SBA. 

To submit a completed application:

In-person – Download the application and supporting documents to a thumb drive and drop off at the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce office between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 1945 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota FL, 34246.

E-mail – Send applications and supporting documents to croper@sarasotachamber.com

Individual tickets – $65 for Chamber members and $85 for non-members. Table sponsorships are available for $900 (Gold sponsor, ten seats) or $700 (Silver sponsor, five seats). 

For sponsorship opportunities and award entry questions, please contact Catherine Roper at croper@sarasotachamber.com

Please visit website to register. For any questions regarding the event, please contact Kelly Monti at kmonti@sarasotachamber.com. 

Award and event sponsors include Florida Power & Light,  Grapevine Communications, Herald-Tribune, HH Staffing Services, Hyatt Regency Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Gulfside Bank, Kerkering, Barberio & Co., The Bank of Tampa,, Shumaker, SRQ Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport, Tommy’s Express Car Wash