CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 13, 2021) — The City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County are accepting nominations for the 2022 Crowns of Enterprise Awards through Feb. 25, 2022.

The awards honor minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and small businesses demonstrating exemplary leadership and sound business strategies that drive economic development in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area and embrace diversity.

Hosted by the city's Charlotte Business INClusion program and Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development, the annual awards recognize one business or individual in each of the following categories:

• Certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise of the Year.

• Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise of the Year.

• Certified Small Business Enterprise of the Year.

• Prime Contractor of the Year.

• Diversity Advocate of the Year.

• Media Personality of the Year.

The program nurtures relationship building between businesses and government officials and agencies, and increases the community's awareness of the award winners' brands.

A joint, city-county awards committee encourages community members to nominate a person or business for recognition. Self-nominations are welcomed. Winners will be announced at the Crowns of Enterprise Awards ceremony on May 12, 2022.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about eligibility requirements before submitting nominations.