A Toast to Business - Award Nomination Form 2026
It's time to recognize and celebrate the businesses and leaders fueling our region's success! This awards program honors those who drive growth, support workforce development, and invest in making a lasting impact on greater Iowa City’s economic vitality. Join us in recognizing the dedicated professionals, businesses, and organizations going above and beyond to strengthen our local economy and workforce. Submit a nomination for one (or MORE) of our premier awards and help honor the businesses and individuals making a difference.
Your Name
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First Name
Last Name
Your Email
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example@example.com
Your Phone Number
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Which award category are you nominating a business/individual for?
Business Impact
Business Leadership
Business Education & Partnership
Greater IC Investor Category
*Click on an Award Category to see all awards, then click on Award Name to see specific award descriptions.
Business Impact Awards
Roots Award
Small Business Award
Spirit of Rural Prosperity Award
Economic Growth Award
Roots Award: celebrates a business that has demonstrated enduring success and a strong commitment within Johnson County. Honoring organizations that have been in business for over 50 years, the award recognizes those who have built a lasting presence, contributed to the local economy, and consistently adapted to meet the evolving needs of their customers. The Roots Award highlights a business’s resilience, impact, and the foundational role it plays in shaping the community's growth and vitality.
*To nominate a BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Roots Award
Small Business Award: honors a small business with fewer than 25 employees that has made a significant impact within Johnson County. Recognizing excellence in service, business, entrepreneurship, and community relationships, the award celebrates a business that demonstrates resilience, drives local economic growth, and maintains a strong connection to its customers and the community. The Small Business Award highlights the vital role small businesses play in fostering a thriving, business economy.
*To nominate a SMALL BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Small Business Award
Spirit of Rural Prosperity Award: recognizes a business or organization that has contributed to rural development through sustainable growth and community impact. The recipient demonstrates leadership in advancing agriculture or agritourism, fostering economic opportunities, and strengthening the rural economy of Johnson County and beyond.
To nominate a BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Spirit of Rural Prosperity Award
Economic Growth Award: honors a business, whether large or small, that has significantly contributed to economic development in the region. Recognizing companies that drive innovation, create job opportunities, and enhance the local economy. This award celebrates organizations (ranging from tech firms and engineering companies to production businesses) that are shaping the future of Iowa City’s economic landscape.
To nominate a BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Economic Growth Award
Business Leadership
Unity Builder Award
Artisan Innovation Award
Unity Builder Award: recognizes a business that exemplifies the power of collaboration by bringing together multiple voices, breaking barriers, and fostering a welcoming environment. This award honors a business that actively creates opportunities, promotes mutual respect, and drives shared success, demonstrating that true business growth is achieved through unity and collective effort.
To nominate a BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Unity Builder Award
Artisan Innovation Award: celebrates a business that not only supports and uplifts the arts but also exemplifies how creativity and commerce can thrive together. Whether through direct investment in artistic endeavors, fostering innovation within the creative sector, or integrating the arts into their business model, the recipient of this award demonstrates that the fusion of artistry and enterprise drives both cultural and economic impact.
To nominate a BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Artisan Innovation Award
Business Education & Partnerships
Trade Builder Award
Youth Engagement Award
Trade Builder Award: recognizes a business that has demonstrated outstanding commitment to strengthening and advancing trade careers within the community. Honoring organizations that actively engage with students, foster workforce development, and promote career pathways in the trades, this award celebrates efforts to build a skilled and sustainable future for the industry.
To nominate a BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Trade Builder Award
Youth Engagement Award: recognizes a business that demonstrates exceptional commitment to fostering youth development through hands-on learning experiences. Honoring organizations that provide apprenticeships, internships, and mentorship opportunities, this award celebrates businesses that invest in the next generation by equipping young individuals with valuable skills, real-world experience, and pathways to future careers.
To nominate a BUSINESS, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Youth Engagement Award
Greater IC Investor Awards
Ambassador Spirit Award
Investor of the Year Award
Emerging Investor of the Year Award
Council Impact Award
Ambassador Spirit Award: recognizes a dedicated Greater IC ambassador who goes above and beyond in supporting our mission through active participation and positive referrals. Honoring individuals who consistently attend events, advocate for Greater IC within their networks, and promote our initiatives with enthusiasm, this award celebrates those who play avital role in fostering connections, strengthening local business engagement, and enhancing the Greater IC brand within the community.
To nominate an AMBASSADOR, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Ambassador Spirit Award
Investor of the Year Award: recognizes a company or individual who has been an active and committed investor in Greater IC (previously know as Iowa City Area Business Partnership & Iowa City Area Development Group) for five or more years, consistently supporting our events, programs, and initiatives. By creating opportunities and fueling local growth, this investor plays a key role in shaping a thriving future for our community.
To nominate a INVESTOR, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Investor of the Year Award
Emerging Investor of the Year: honors a new investor who joined Greater IC in the past year (2025) and has already demonstrated enthusiasm and involvement. Whether hosting an event or ribbon cutting, attending multiple lunch connections, serving on a panel, participating in a Greater IC Innovation Council, or engaging with our Business Resource Center, this investor has made an immediate impact. Their proactive approach and eagerness to connect shows great promise in contributing to future growth, collaboration, and success within the Greater IC community.
To nominate a INVESTOR, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Emerging Investor of the Year
Council Impact Award: honors a dedicated member of one of the Innovation Councils within Greater IC who has shown exceptional commitment, collaboration, and vision for Johnson County’s business community. By volunteering their time, actively contributing ideas, and supporting council initiatives, this individual demonstrates the power of collective effort to drive growth and strengthen the local business ecosystem.
To nominate a COUNCIL MEMBER, write how they demonstrate the qualities of the Council Impact Award
Business/Organization/Individual Name
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Business/Organization/Individual Email
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example@example.com
If your nomination is selected as a winner, would you be interested in presenting the award at the event on Wednesday, April 29th at Graduate Iowa City?
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Yes
Maybe - need to check my calendar
No
No, but I have another presenter recommendation that I could provide!
Business Website - if applicable
Submit
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