Local small businesses are being sought to compete to be named “America’s Top Small Business” by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The deadline to apply is July 21.

Ten small businesses will be named as semi-finalists for each of seven U.S. regions and recognized at a local ceremony and across media. (Georgia is in the Southeastern region along with Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.) Each semi-finalist will receive a one-year paid membership to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and be featured on the www.uschamber.com/co website, which serves 20,000 business owners per day and over six million people a year around the world.

The highest-scoring business in each region will be named a regional finalist. The seven regional finalists will compete for the title of “America’s Top Small Business” and win a $25,000 cash prize. Small businesses will be evaluated on their answers to 10 questions about their business growth, contribution to the local economy, innovation, successful business strategies, and community engagement.

Small businesses can start the application process on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website: https://topsmallbusiness.uschamber.com/

“Small business owners across the country embody the values of America, including a strong work ethic, a commitment to innovation, and a spirit of service. Their entrepreneurship and resilience contribute immeasurably to our local communities and national economy,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to serving small businesses through policy advocacy, convening entrepreneurs to strengthen their networks and share best practices, and providing valuable resources to help people start, run and grow their business, the Chamber is also proud to recognize and celebrate their accomplishments and inspire the next generation of America’s entrepreneurs.”