Nominations now open for our 2024 Small Business Awards!
Small businesses are the heart, and backbone of Chinatown. If you’ve been following along with our work for a while now, you’ve probably heard the incredible stories from within our community – stories of family, resiliency, history and so much expertise. We’re so excited to bring back our Small Business Awards, honoring local businesses and entrepreneurs for their contribution to the Chinatown and wider community! Winners receive a $5,000 Longevity Fund grant.
The categories:
Hall of Fame Award honors a legacy business who has made a lasting impact on Chinatown for its connection and contributions to the community. This business is recognized as an institution to the neighborhood for its ability to bring the community and its visitors together to celebrate and honor Chinatown’s rich history through its business.
Bright Beginnings Award honors a trailblazing business who has contributed to Chinatown’s thriving community of entrepreneurship and innovation. This honoree has identified ways to support Chinatown by using its business and community presence as an instrument to build new and sustained interest in Chinatown.
Spirit of Chinatown Award honors a fellow mission-driven community organization, business, or outstanding individual whose purpose is to support, amplify and celebrate the Chinatown community. We love our fellow community organizers, it truly takes a village.
Fan Favorite Award is our version of a “people’s choice” award! Shout out your favorite business loud and proud (and be sure to tell us why). Maybe it’s your most frequented place, a business that is doing something truly unique, or run by owner(s) with an incredible story. or just that one spot you feel a special connection to.
The selection process:
Nominations for all categories will be open through June 3oth
Fan Favorite voting will be open mid-July
For all other categories, our panel of judges will have an open deliberation and select the final winners from a shortlist selected from your nominations (Panelists TBA! Last years panelists included Alan Chin, Calvin Eng and Cathy Erway. Our judges each represent a different facet aspect of Chinatown’s spirit.
All winners will be notified by mid-August
Winners will be recognized at our 2024 Gala on September 19th
Send us your nominations:
Fill out the form below! Please fill out one form per individual.
Each nomination must be accompanied with an explanation. We want to hear why you personally believe this business deserves the recognition!
You do not have to make a nomination for every category (but we welcome it)! If you do not have a nomination for a category, please put "N/A".
Past winners:
Fan Favorite: Imperial Ballroom
Hall of Fame: Fong On
Bright Beginnings: Yu and Me Books
Spirit of Chinatown: Run for Chinatown
