General Eligibility
All nominees must:
- Be current members (as of July 31, 2026) in good standing with the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the economic impact and cultural diversity of the Greater Albuquerque business community.
- Align with the Chamber's mission to promote economic development, to enhance economic opportunities, and to provide business and workforce education with an emphasis on the Hispanic and small business community in Albuquerque and New Mexico.
Specific Criteria Per Category:
New Business of the Year
Recognizing an emerging business with early promise and innovation.
- Recognizing an emerging business with early promise and innovation.
In operations for three years or fewer.
- Demonstrates significant growth and industry success.
- Features a unique product, service, or business model.
- Shows strong financial performance and exceptional customer feedback.
- Uses effective branding and marketing strategies.
- Communicates a clear plan for sustainable growth and long-term impact.
Health and Wellness Business of the Year:
Celebrating a business enhancing community well-being.
- Celebrating a business enhancing community well-being.
- Promotes physical, mental, or emotional health through its offerings.
- Demonstrates a commitment to improving client wellness.
- Provides measurable health outcomes and strong testimonials.
- Participates in community-based health education or outreach programs.
Technology Business of the Year
Spotlighting innovation and advancement in technology.
- Delivers cutting-edge solutions or tech-based services
- Applies technology effectively to address business challenges
- Maintains a strong record of development and user satisfaction
- Shows potential for scalability and future industry relevance
Women-Owned Business of the Year
Honoring women-led business excellence and empowerment.
- Women-owned and operated
- Demonstrates leadership, innovation, and success within their industry
- Creates opportunities for advancement and inclusion of women
- Serves as a role model for entrepreneurship and community impact
Non-Profit Organization of the Year
Recognizing mission-driven organizations making measureable change.
- Demonstrates a clear mission and measurable impact in addressing critical social or environmental challenges
- Collaborates with other organizations and stakeholders
- Engags volunteers and builds community partnerships
- Users innovative approaches to drive lasting impact
Small Business of the Year
Celebrating local business resilience and community presence.
- Be independently owned and operated
- Not be a subsidiary or division of a larger company
- Have an average annual revenue of $1.5 milion or less over the past three (3) fiscal years, as commonly used in state-level procurement and support programs
- Shows consistent performance and growth
- Earns strong customer loyalty and positive reviews
- Offers innovative services, products, or models
- Actively participates in local community development
- Demonstrates success in overcoming challenges with limited resource
Cultural Tourism Organization of the Year
Honoring a hospitality, tourism, cultural, or community organization, business, or individual that enhances visitor experiences while preserving, promoting, and elevating the heritage, traditions, and cultural identity of our community.
- Exceptional hospitality and visitor experience through hospitality, tourism, cultural programming, accomodations, dining, attractions, museums, events, or guest services.
- Celebrates Hispanic or Native American History, traditions, arts, food, music and culture.
- Strong partnerships that support local businesses, cultural organizations, artists, and community traditions.
- Innovation in cultural tourism, preservation, education, storytelling, and heritage experiences.