The Annual Meeting of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce is the largest corporate event of the year. It’s an evening of celebration and inspiration, reflecting on the past year, honoring outstanding business leaders and looking to the future.
**Nominations are due March 27th for the 2026 Leadership Awards**
It’s an honor to celebrate our members accomplishments and contributions to the Asheville community with our annual leadership awards.
Small Business Leader of the Year
These awards, sponsored by HomeTrust Bank, recognize two 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.
Family Business of the Year Award
The Family Business of the Year Award, sponsored by UNC Asheville, recognizes a family-owned business for their contributions to the community and success as a family-owned enterprise. Self-nominations accepted.
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
Excellence in Public Service
This 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. Selected by committee.
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. Selected by staff.
Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Sponsored by Aeroflow, this award recognizes an entrepreneur with a soaring venture, dedication to community involvement and who serves as a role model leading through example for all the startup entrepreneurs in the region. Selected by staff.
