2025 VFCC Business of the Year Application Each year, the Valrico/FishHawk Chamber of Commerce recognizes exceptional member businesses that demonstrate leadership, innovation, growth, and integrity, while actively engaging in the local community. 🗓️ Application Timeline Application Period: July 22, 2025 – September 23, 2025 at 4:59 PM ET 🗓️Semi-finalist Notifications: October 20, 2025 via email 🗓️Semi-finalist Mandatory Interviews: November 10 & 11, 2025 (Specific time slot to be assigned by the Independent Panel of Judges based on award category. Date and time slot may not be rescheduled. Specific date and time of interview will be emailed to semi-finalist before November 1, 2025) 🗓️Finalist Notifications: December 1, 2025 🗓️Awards Presentation: VFCC Annual Awards Dinner/Celebration January 22, 2026 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENTS * I acknowledge that this application must be submitted online via ValricoFishhawk.org/2025-vfcc-annual-awards-info no later than Monday, September 22, 2025, at 4:59 PM ET. I understand that only one submission per applicant will be accepted, and that applications submitted via email, mail, or hand delivery will not be considered. I understand that the individual listed as the business's Chamber Representative will be recognized alongside the business name at the VFCC Annual Awards Ceremony and award, if applicable. I understand that I must clearly demonstrate business leadership and impact within the community through this application. I am an active VFCC member in good standing, with dues paid. I have participated in VFCC events in the past six months. I have attended at least two VFCC meetings per month over the past six months. My business is headquartered or primarily operates in the Valrico/FishHawk/Tampa Bay area. I understand that I must remain an active VFCC member through December 31, 2026. I understand that previous winners and finalists of any category listed below are eligible to apply. I agree to participate in the Semi-finalist interview, if applicable, on the scheduled date and time. Notification will be before November 1, 2025 via email. I understand that if selected as a finalist, I must attend the VFCC Awards Ceremony on January 22, 2026, and that failure to attend the interview or ceremony will result in disqualification. I understand that judging will be conducted by an independent panel. I may upload up to two supplemental items (e.g., photos, press, testimonials) as part of this application. I understand that my application must be complete and professional, and that neatness, clarity, and completeness will impact judging. I have read and agree to all eligibility requirements, expectations, and deadlines outlined above. Annual Awards Questions? Contact the VFCC Awards & Recognition Chair: Jennifer Stinson at awards@valricofishhawk.org 🏆 Award Categories: Please select one or two categories you are applying for (see note below for other categories with separate applications): * Small Business of the Year (1–6 employees/contractors) Medium Business of the Year (7–15 employees/contractors) Large Business of the Year (16+ employees/contractors) Emerging Business (Founded between January 1, 2023 – August 1, 2025) Startup Business (Under 2 years old as of August 1, 2025) Franchise Business of the Year Woman-Owned Business of the Year Minority-Owned Business of the Year (includes Black-, Hispanic-, and Veteran-owned businesses per SBA definition) IMPORTANT NOTE: Separate applications exist for Non-Profit of the Year, Solo Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Professional (age 39 and under) of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, and Community Impact awards. Category Eligibility Confirmation * This business is applying for no more than two (2) business-related award categories. This business meets the size and/or type requirements for each selected category. This business is headquartered or primarily operates in the Valrico/FishHawk/Tampa Bay area. This business has been in operation for the minimum required time as defined in the individual award category descriptions. COMPANY INFORMATION: Complete all fields below. Business/Company Name * Legal Business Structure: * Corporation: C Corp; S Corp Partnership: GP; LP; LLP Limited Liability Company (LLC) Sole Proprietor Other (Unique or Hybrid Structures) Company/Business VFCC Representative * First and Last Name Required Year Founded: * Year Began Operating in Valrico/FishHawk/Tampa Bay * EIN/FIN # * Total Number of Full Time Employees: * Total Number of Part Time Employees * Total Number of Contractors/Freelancers * Main Contact Person: First and Last Name Contact Email Address: * Contact Phone Number * BUSINESS/COMPANY SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS Mark N/A if not used Facebook Page: * Instagram Page: * X (formerly Twitter) Page: * LinkedIn Page: * APPLICATION QUESTIONS (200 words or less each) 1. Tell us about your business/company. * Include history, what you do, and who you serve. 2. What are your future goals, and how are you working toward them? * 3. What is your management philosophy and how does it shape your culture? * 4. What is your biggest challenge to growth, and how do you address it? * 5. Who are your competitors, and how do you stay competitive? * 6. What type of staff development or training do you provide? * 7. How is your business/company involved in the local community? * 8. Why should your business/company be named VFCC 2025 Business of the Year? * OPTIONAL UPLOAD No. 1 OPTIONAL UPLOAD No. 2 FRANCHISE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION (for Franchise Business of the Year applicants ONLY): Franchise Brand * If you are not applying for a Franchise Award please type N/A. FRANCHISE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION (for Franchise Business of the Year applicants ONLY): Year this location/franchise was established in the Valrico/FishHawk area: * If you are not applying for a Franchise Award please type 0000 (four zeros). FRANCHISE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION (for Franchise Business of the Year applicants ONLY): Are you independently owned and operated? * YES NO N/A If you are not applying for a Franchise Award please click N/A. FRANCHISE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION (for Franchise Business of the Year applicants ONLY): (300-800 words) How do you demonstrate local impact and community engagement beyond corporate requirements? * If you are not applying for a Franchise Award please click N/A. DEMOGRAPHIC AWARDS For Woman-Owned, Minority-Owned and Veteran-Owned Business Award Consideration please complete the appropriate field below. OPTIONAL: WOMAN-OWNED BUSINESS AWARD CONSIDERATION (300 words max) As a woman-owned business, how have you navigated leadership and entrepreneurship in your field? Share how your journey has influenced your business approach, your impact in the community, and any efforts you've made to empower and uplift other women in business. OPTIONAL: MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS AWARD CONSIDERATION (This category is open to businesses that are at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by individuals who identify as Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, Native American or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, or multiracial minority groups.) (300 words max) What does being a minority business leader mean to you? How have you driven change and impact? OPTIONAL: FOR VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS AWARD CONSIDERATION (300 words max) As a veteran-owned business, how has your military experience shaped your approach to leadership, resilience, and service? Describe how your business contributes to your industry and our community, and how you continue to embody the values of integrity, discipline, and commitment in your entrepreneurial journey. NOTE: *Veteran-owned businesses are often recognized under the umbrella of minority-owned businesses in chamber award categories, supplier diversity programs, SBA certifications, and corporate or government contracting opportunities. This designation reflects the unique challenges veterans may face in transitioning to entrepreneurship and acknowledges their valuable contributions as a historically underrepresented group in business. Please indicate how you or your VFCC Business Representative have participated in VFCC activities since November 2024. (Check all that apply) * Attended 2025 General Assembly meetings Attended 2025 Mid-Day Power Hour+ Attended 2025 Business After Hours Attended 2025 Ribbon Cuttings Volunteered at 2025 Chamber event Serving on the 2025 Board of Directors Served on the 2025 Annual Dinner Committee Served on the 2025 Kickball Tournament Committee Served on the 2025 Honorary Mayor’s Race Committee Served on the 2025 Teacher Appreciation Committee Served on the 2024 Shop Local Committee Served on the 2024 Brandon Parade of Lights Committee Not applicable Name of Person Completing this Application: * Disclaimer: A minimum of two (2) applications must be received for an award category in order for that category to be considered for selection. If fewer than two applications are received, the VFCC Awards & Recognition Chair reserves the right to withdraw the category from this year’s awards. Star Rating Scale * How do you rate the 2025 VFCC Business of the Year Application Process?
