Preview the EDGE.30 Nomination Questions

Curious what’s on the form before you nominate? Here are the questions for every category, along with who each is for and what judges consider. Nominations close November 2, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Before you start

Businesses must be independently owned (not a franchise location, a subsidiary, or majority-owned by a larger company), have fewer than 100 full- and part-time employees, including owners, and be headquartered in one of our 16 counties. Self-nominations are welcome. A business can enter up to three categories but can win in only one. Employees of the Times Free Press and its affiliates, program judges, and their immediate families or households can’t nominate or be nominated. If you aren’t the business owner, share only public information unless the owner agrees, and don’t include trade secrets. Fees are $75 for one category, $125 for two, and $175 for three, plus applicable taxes. See the Official Rules and Nomination Terms for full details. Word limits are shown in parentheses.

Every nomination includes

  1. In two or three sentences, what does the business do and for whom? (75)
  2. Why should this business be on Edge’s list of small businesses to watch in 2027? (200)

Find Your Category: What We Ask and How Judges Score It.

Each category has its own questions, eligibility requirements and judging criteria. Find the one that fits your business, then see how judges will weigh your answers. A business can enter up to three categories.

Startup to Watch

Eligibility: Opened October 2025 or later.
Judges consider: Traction (40%), market opportunity (30%), strength of the 2027 plan (30%).



  1. What problem does the business solve, and how do you know customers want it? (150)
  2. What traction has it shown since launch: revenue growth, customers, funding, or hires? (200)
  3. What are the business’s goals for 2027, and how will it reach them? (150)

Comeback of the Year

Eligibility: Setback or pivot in 2021 or later.
Judges consider: Results (40%), resourcefulness of the response (35%), size of the challenge (25%).



  1. Describe the setback or the reason for the pivot. (200)
  2. What did the owner do in response? (200)
  3. Where does the business stand today? Use numbers where you can. (150)

Legacy Business of the Year

Eligibility: Opened in 2001 or earlier.
Judges consider: Adaptation (40%), community roots and future plans (35%), longevity and stewardship (25%).



  1. Share the business’s history and major milestones. (200)
  2. How has the business adapted to stay relevant? (200)
  3. What role has it played in the community, and what is the plan for its next chapter or generation? (150)

Micro-Business of the Year

Eligibility: Fewer than 10 full- or part-time employees, including the owner.

Judges consider: Achievement relative to size (40%), growth (30%), customer reputation (30%).


  1. How does the business make an outsized impact for its size? (200)
  2. What has it achieved or how has it grown in the past 12 months? (150)
  3. What shows customer loyalty: reviews, repeat business, or referrals? (150)

Community Impact Award

Eligibility: Open to all qualifying businesses.

Judges consider: Measurable impact (40%), ongoing commitment (35%), employee and community involvement (25%).


  1. Describe the business’s giving, volunteering, partnerships, or mission. (200)
  2. What are the measurable results: dollars, hours, or people served? (150)
  3. How is giving back built into how the business operates year-round? (150)

Small Business Innovator

Eligibility: Open to all qualifying businesses.

Judges consider: Results (40%), originality (35%), ability to scale (25%).


  1. Describe the new product, service, process, business model, or technology. (200)
  2. What results has it produced: sales, efficiency, customer outcomes, or patents? (200)
  3. How did the business develop it, and what comes next? (100)

Founder of the Year

Eligibility: The nomination must name the founder and their current role, and the founder must still be active in the business.
Judges consider: Leadership and business results (40%), vision (30%), influence beyond the business (30%).



  1. Tell the founder’s story: why they started the business. (200)
  2. How has the founder built the team and culture, and led through challenges? (200)
  3. What influence does the founder have beyond the business, such as mentoring, boards, or civic work? (150)

Employer of the Year

Eligibility: At least 3 full- or part-time employees besides the owner.
Judges consider: Retention and culture (40%), pay and benefits relative to size (30%), employee growth (30%).


  1. What pay, benefits, and flexibility does the business offer? Be specific. (200)
  2. How do employees grow: training, promotions, or ownership opportunities? (150)
  3. What shows a strong workplace: retention, tenure, or employee feedback? Up to two employee quotes are welcome. (200)

Woman-Owned Business of the Year

Eligibility: The business must be at least 51% owned and operated by one or more women. Nominators certify this on the form, and we may ask for supporting documentation.
Judges consider: Business performance and growth (40%), community impact (25%), leadership and story (20%), 2027 outlook (15%).



  1. Tell the story of the business and its owner or owners. (200)
  2. What has the business achieved in the past one to two years? Use numbers where you can. (200)
  3. What impact does it have on the community, including mentoring or opening doors for others? (150)
  4. What is ahead for the business in 2027? (100)

Groundbreaker Award

Eligibility: The business opened in a community the nominator identifies as underserved, such as a low-income neighborhood, a rural area or small town, or a place that lacked the services, jobs or investment the business now provides.

Judges consider: Community impact (40%), business results (30%), obstacles overcome (30%).


  1. Describe the community where the business opened and what was missing there. (200)
  2. What has the business brought to the community: jobs, services, investment, or a gathering place? Use numbers where you can. (200)
  3. What obstacles did the founders face in opening there, and how did they overcome them? (150)

Recognition is the reward: finalists and winners are featured in EDGE magazine, and winners are announced January 21, 2027. Entry fees cover administration and judging and do not affect selection. Fees are non-refundable. Category criteria on this page are part of the Official Rules.