The Crowns of Enterprise Awards started as a conversation with an elected official, who asked the question: "What are we doing to support and celebrate small businesses who are doing a great job?"
The Crowns of Enterprise Awards recognize and honor small businesses that demonstrate exemplary leadership and sound business strategies. We strive to acknowledge and display the hard work and resilient efforts of our local small businesses, illustrating the positive footprint and economic impact they have on our community. The program nurtures relationship building between businesses, officials and government agencies.
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The 2025 Winners will be announced at the Crowns of Enterprise Ceremony on Thursday, May 9.
The Crowns of Enterprise Awards recognize and honor small businesses in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region that demonstrate exemplary leadership and sound business strategies. Specifically, the awards committee acknowledges businesses that benefit and grow the local economy, and that embrace and engage with diversity and inclusivity efforts.
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) of the Year(Current City SBE Certification required): This award is presented to a City of Charlotte certified Small Business Enterprise that, among other attributes, has driven economic development in the Charlotte - Mecklenburg region.
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) of the Year(Current State of NC HUB MBE Certification required): This award is presented to a minority-owned business certified by the State of North Carolina that has demonstrated sound business strategies while driving economic development in the Charlotte - Mecklenburg region.
Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) of the Year(Current State of NC HUB WBE Certification required): This award is presented to a woman-owned business certified by the State of North Carolina that has demonstrated sound business strategies while driving economic development in the Charlotte - Mecklenburg region.
Prime Contractor of the Year: This award is presented to a Prime Contractor that demonstrates exemplary leadership while embracing and engaging in diversity initiatives and efforts.
Diversity Advocate of the Year: This award is presented to an individual or organization who champions diversity and inclusion best practices, ideas and strategies to increase the overall participation of MWSBE opportunities in the Charlotte - Mecklenburg region.
Media Personality/Media Outlet of the Year This award is presented to a media personality or media outlet for providing outstanding community engagement and exemplary coverage in support of the minority, women, and small business community.
2023 Crowns of Enterprise Event Gallery
Learn more about the awards and other efforts to support small, minority-owned and women-owned businesses by visiting the Mecklenburg County’s Business Diversity and Inclusion and the Charlotte Business INClusion websites.