This grant is about celebrating small businesses that make a real difference in their communities. But before you start thinking about who might nominate you, let's make sure the basics are covered. The eligibility rules are surprisingly straightforward – no QuickBooks account needed, no revenue minimums. I've broken them down so you can quickly see if your business fits. Use the interactive checker below; it asks the exact questions the official rules use.
The two rules that trip people up
The first is the one‑year registration requirement. The clock starts when you filed with your Secretary of State – not when you started operating informally. If you incorporated last month, you'll need to wait for the next cycle. The second is the employee count: it's based on W‑2 employees, not contractors. A business with 85 employees and 30 contractors is still under the 99 cap. The rule cares about your payroll, not your freelancers.
If you're reading this and thinking “I'm close but not quite there”, that's exactly when a quick assessment can help. We'll look at your specific situation and tell you whether you should aim for this phase or prepare for the next one.
What about the nominator?
You might be perfectly eligible, but the program still needs someone else to speak up for you. That person has to be a U.S. resident, at least 18, and cannot be you, a family member, or an employee. If you're not sure who that could be – a loyal customer, a vendor, a neighbor who has seen your work – we have templates and scripts that make the ask feel natural. Book a free consultation and we'll brainstorm together.
