City of South Portland Business Awards Criteria
Required
- Business/non-profit located in South Portland
- High quality of product(s) or service(s)
- Considered a great place to work—in other words, treats its employees well
- A collaborative community partner
Additional Criteria for Consideration
- Unique approach to any aspect of organizational operations
- Excellent customer service
- Workforce diversity, including but not limited to: race, gender, culture, sexuality, ability
- Markets and promotes South Portland effectively
- Exports products or services outside Maine and/or the United States
- Environmental sustainability (e.g. reduced carbon footprint, sustainable energy management)
New Business of the Year Award
Nominees for this award represent one of the new great additions to the South Portland Business Community.
Maker Business of The Year Award
A NEW category that represents businesses that produce handmade items, including those that contribute to local artisan markets.
Business Leader of the Year Award
This award honors an organization that has set a lasting precedent for success and innovation for the South Portland Business Community.
Small Business of the Year Award (25 or fewer employees)
Nominees for this award represent a small organization that has a major impact on the City of South Portland.
Business of the Year Award (Greater than 25 employees)
Nominees for this award honors a business that has most profoundly improved and strengthened the South Portland business community.
Santo "Sam" DiPietro Community Impact Award
Nominees for this award can be an individual, business, agency, organization, community or nonprofit corporation that has gone above and beyond to make the greater South Portland business community a better place to live, work, and locate a business. Consideration may include expanding and/or diversifying the workforce, improvements to health and environmental sustainability, and/or other contributions.
SoPo Sustainability Award
This award recognizes businesses and individuals who prioritize sustainability practices and are making strides towards impactful change to our environment. Practices may include (but are not limited to) waste reduction, pollution mitigation, clean energy adoption, water conservation, tree planting, sustainable materials utilization, LEED/Well construction, locally sourced food and products, support for employee initiatives, and restoration/net positive activities.
Award Selection Process
Nomination applications are accepted from organizations and the public. The City of South Portland Economic Development Committee (EDC) and City of South Portland staff will also provide nominees. Once all nominations are compiled (received no later than November 7, 2023) the EDC will review them and vote on the award winners.