Nominations Being Accepted for 2026 Douglas County Small Business Awards

For Immediate Release

Nominations Being Accepted for 2026 Douglas County Small Business Awards

Douglasville, GA (April 6, 2026) – The Douglas County Chamber is excited to announce the 2026 Douglas County Small Business Awards. This program honors the vital role that small businesses play in driving Douglas County’s economy. Awards will be presented at the Douglas County Chamber Small Business Summit on August 25-26, 2026.

The Douglas County Small Business Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and recognize outstanding businesses and individuals who contribute to economic growth, innovation, and community impact. Any business located in Douglas County is eligible to apply.

“Our business community is the backbone of Douglas County, and we are proud to celebrate their hard work, innovation, and resilience. These awards shine a spotlight on the businesses and entrepreneurs who drive our local economy forward, and we’re honored to partner with Elevate Douglas Economic Partnership and the Douglas County Sentinel to recognize them,” said Douglas County Chamber President & CEO, Sara Ray.

2026 Douglas Small Business Awards Categories

Douglas County Small Business of the Year – Celebrating businesses that were true rock stars over the past year. These businesses created a mix of innovation, growth and service to the community. Finalists will be selected in each category by employee size including 1-10 employees, 11-25 employees, and 26-50 employees. Criteria: demonstrated growth (sales, customer base, employee size, etc.) between 1/1/2025-4/20/2026, demonstrated innovation within their industry and/or the community, must be in operation for three years or more (as of 1/1/2023), contributed to Chamber and/or community-oriented projects, must be for-profit, must be located in Douglas County. A business does not have to be a Chamber member, any business in Douglas is encouraged to apply. Finalists will be selected in each category and the winners will be announced at the Annual Gala & Community Awards in March 2027.

Douglas County Small Business to Watch – This is a special shout-out to businesses that are shaking up the small business space. This award will celebrate unique business concepts, creative marketing and branding, and innovative ways of reaching clients. Criteria: demonstrated innovation and creativity within their industry and/or the community, must be in operation less than three years (as of 1/1/2023), must be for-profit, must be located in Douglas County, business does not have to be a Chamber member, any business in Douglas is encouraged to apply.

Douglas County Legacy in Business Award – This top-tier recognition will pay tribute to an entrepreneur who has reached the pinnacle of prosperity over time. Criteria: leader for a for-profit company with 1-50 employees, business must be located in Douglas County, business owners do not have to be a Chamber member, any business owner in Douglas is encouraged to apply.

Nominations for the awards are being accepted through June 12^th. There are no criteria for individuals seeking to nominate a business or individual, anyone can submit a nomination. Nominations can be submitted at https://bit.ly/26SmallBizNoms. For more information about the 2026 Douglas County Small Business Awards, please contact the Douglas County Chamber at 770.942.5022 or visit www.douglascountygeorgia.com.