It’s an honor to celebrate our members accomplishments and contributions to the Asheville community. Review our award types and nominate an individual or business that deserves recognition for their hard work.
Small Business Leader of the Year
The Small Business Leader of the Year Award, sponsored by HomeTrust Bank, recognizes individuals who clearly reflect quality and dedication to the operation of business in the Asheville area and provide leadership accomplishments including innovation, initiative and civic responsiveness. This award is presented at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in June.
Submit a Small Business Leader nomination
Family Business of the Year Award
The Family Business of the Year Award, presented by UNC Asheville, recognizes a family-owned business for their contributions to the community and success as a family-owned enterprise. Self-nominations accepted. This award is presented at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting in June.
Submit a Family Business nomination
Black-owned Business of the Year Award
The Black-Owned Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Givens Communities, recognizes a Black-owned business that demonstrates strong performance, innovation, and meaningful impact in the Asheville community. An initiative of the Asheville Chamber’s Black Business Alliance and presented at our Annual Meeting, this award celebrates a business that contributes to the local economy, creates opportunity, and shows a commitment to service and growth. Self-nominations accepted.
Submit a nomination for Black-owned Business of the Year
Good Health Good Business Award
This award, sponsored by Mission Health, recognizes a business that demonstrates service and exceptional leadership which have resulted in improving the health of the Asheville area community. Award winners serve as an example for others in the community by actively supporting the health and wellness of their employees and/or the community at large such as through initiatives that address poverty, nutrition or quality of life. The company must be an Asheville Chamber member. This award is presented during Chamber Challenge. Self-nominations accepted.
Submit a Good Health Good Business Award nomination
Sky High Awards
These awards honor the determination and accomplishments of businesses in Asheville and Buncombe County. Honorees are companies supporting jobs for area residents and contributing to our local economy through innovation and perseverance. Self-nominations are accepted. These awards are presented at the Sky High Award reception.
PROpel AVL Young Professionals Awards
PROpel AVL Awards honor young professionals 40 and under who have distinguished themselves in their profession or as a leader and individuals who serve as mentors to young professionals in our community. PROpel AVL Awards are presented at an awards celebration in the spring.
Submit a PROpel AVL Award nomination
WomanUP Awards:
- Woman Entrepreneur, Best in Business Award
This award recognizes a woman who demonstrates the transformation of her dream into reality and who exhibits the traits of an entrepreneur such as: willingness to take risk, personal drive, focus, innovation and business acumen. - Woman Executive of the Year
Sponsored by Realty ONE Group Pivot, this award recognizes a woman who exhibits leadership in her organization, profession and community. - Outstanding Woman Nonprofit Leader
Sponsored by TD Bank, this award recognizes a woman working for a nonprofit who has distinguished herself in her non-profit organization, her profession, and her community. - STEM Award
Sponsored by MAHEC, this award recognizes women who are making an impact on the STEM industry. - Rising Star Award
Sponsored by Western Carolina University, this award recognizes a young woman under the age of 35 who has distinguished herself as a leader and role model to other young women. - Suzanne DeFerie Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by First Bank, this award recognizes a woman who has distinguished herself in business over a lifetime, demonstrating excellence and leadership in business throughout her career. - Impact Award
Sponsored by Kudzu Brands, this award recognizes women who are trailblazers and who make a significant impact through their leadership and innovation.
Excellence in Public Service
The Excellence in Public Service Award, sponsored by Mission Health, recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the community through involvement, service or motivation to improving the quality of life for the citizens of Buncombe County. This award is presented at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting.
President’s Award
The President’s Award, sponsored by A-B Tech, is given at the discretion of the Asheville Chamber president to an individual or company deserving of recognition for their work or contributions to the community.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is sponsored by Aeroflow.