News Summary
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to apply for the 2025 Small Business of the Year Awards. The awards celebrate businesses’ contributions to the economy and community. Categories include small businesses with 10 or fewer employees, 11-50 employees, and those creating ‘Cool Things’ on the Outer Banks. Applications are due by July 25, 2025, with winners announced at a breakfast event featuring a keynote address by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce president.
Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce is calling for applications for the 2025 Small Business of the Year Awards, a recognition aimed at celebrating the achievements of small businesses in the region. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, and will be part of the Outer Banks Business Update & Small Business Awards breakfast, beginning at 8 a.m. at the Sea Ranch Resort.
The awards will be presented to outstanding small businesses that have made significant contributions to the local economy and community. There are three categories for the awards: Small Business with 10 or fewer employees, Small Business with 11-50 employees, and Best Cool Things Made on the Outer Banks. This structure ensures that businesses of varying sizes are acknowledged for their unique contributions.
To be eligible for the awards, applicants must operate within the Outer Banks area, which includes Dare County, Currituck County, or Ocracoke Island. Additionally, businesses must be members in good standing of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. The winners will be chosen by a panel of independent judges from local colleges and North Carolina Chambers of Commerce, ensuring a fair and thorough evaluation process.
Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, July 25, 2025, and can be accessed online at the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce website. For those who need additional information or assistance with the application process, a contact number is available: 252-441-8144.
Keynote Address
Prominent in the event will be Gary Salamido, the president and CEO of the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Salamido is set to deliver a keynote address regarding the forthcoming Association Health Plan for small businesses, which is poised to launch this fall. His insights are expected to provide valuable information to small business owners in attendance.
Importance of Small Businesses
Small businesses play a vital role in the economic landscape of the Outer Banks, contributing to job creation and local culture. These awards not only recognize the accomplishments of individual businesses but also promote the importance of supporting local enterprises. The Chamber of Commerce aims to strengthen the community by highlighting and rewarding the dedication of small business owners and their teams.
Conclusion
The 2025 Small Business of the Year Awards ceremony represents an exciting opportunity for local businesses in the Outer Banks to gain recognition for their hard work and innovation. With the deadline for nominations approaching in July, interested businesses are encouraged to prepare their applications and participate in this prestigious event.
For more details on the awards and application process, visit the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce website or call the provided contact number.
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Additional Resources
- The Coastland Times: Outer Banks Chamber Accepting Applications for Small Business Awards
- Google Search: Outer Banks Chamber
- Carolina Journal: Protecting Privacy Without Undermining Small Business Success
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Outer Banks Voice: Support Local Businesses on Shop Small Saturday
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Small Business
- Forbes: Outer Banks Season 4 Tragic Ending Explained
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economics
- Business North Carolina: Finance Case Study – Goombays Grille & Raw Bar in Kill Devil Hills
- Google News: Small Business Awards
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
