2025 VFCC Business Leader of the Year Application

🗓️ Application Timeline

Application Period: July 22, 2025 – September 22, 2025 at 4:59 PM

🗓️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 represent a for-profit business. My business has been in operation for three (3) or more years. My business has five or more employees or contractors (full-time or part-time). 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 prior winners and finalists in other categories 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

BUSINESS INFORMATION:

Complete all fields below.

Applicant First and Last Name *

Will be used in all printed materials and award presentation.

Title/Role: *

Business Name *

Will be used in all printed materials and award presentation.

Business Address

Address Line 1 *

Address Line 2

City *

Zip/Postal Code *

Business Email Address: *

Business Phone Number: *

Business Website (if applicable): *

If not applicable, type N/A.

Year Business was Started/Founded: *

Enter as YYYY

Legal Structure of the Business: *

Sole Proprietorship Single-Member LLC S Corporation (S Corp)

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Type N/A if not used

Facebook Page: *

Instagram Page: *

X (formerly Twitter) Page: *

LinkedIn Page: *

APPLICATION QUESTIONS (Limit responses to 200 words or less per question).

1. Describe your business and its core mission. *

Include a brief overview of what you do, who you serve, and your current footprint.

2. How have you demonstrated exceptional leadership within your organization? *

Include examples of your leadership style, decision-making, and team development.

3. What specific business accomplishments are you most proud of in the past three years? *

Include data, awards, growth metrics, or notable milestones.

4. How have you supported or influenced the local community through your leadership? *

Include partnerships, volunteer efforts, fundraising, and advocacy initiatives.

5. Describe a major challenge you've faced as a business leader and how you overcame it. *

6. How do you continue to grow personally and professionally as a leader? *

Mention any mentorship, education, speaking, or leadership development work.

7. Why should you be named VFCC's FIRST Business Leader of the Year? *

Share what sets you apart and the impact you've made.

OPTIONAL UPLOAD No. 1 *

Letter of support, photos, news clipping, etc.

OPTIONAL UPLOAD No. 2 *

Letter of support, photos, news clipping, etc.

Name of Person Completing this Application: *

First and Last Name

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 *

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2025 VFCC Business Leader of the Year Application

Building Business. Building Community.

Valrico / FishHawk Chamber of Commerce

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