SPEARFISH — The SD CEO West Women’s Business Center has announced the commencement of nominations for the 12th annual Outstanding Women in Business Awards, celebrating remarkable women entrepreneurs and leaders in South Dakota. Nominations are now open and will be accepted until the deadline on March 19 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.

In the words of Rhonda Pearcy, Fork Real Cafe, Women’s Choice winner 2023, “Being nominated and selected for the Women’s Choice Award was a surprise and to be recognized by my peers was certainly a special moment. I have female friends that are community leaders and I know businesses that are led by great women. This award serves as a reminder that women are recognized for their passion, hard work and dedication across communities.”

Elizabeth Freer, director of SD CEO West, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the efforts of women contributing to the economic development of their communities: “Hard work, grit, and dedication are what it takes to own and grow your career or your business. With these awards, we recognize these women’s incredible efforts in our communities.”

The three award categories include:

The Enterprising Young Entrepreneur

• Minimum of three years in the current business
• 35 years or younger as of May 2, 2024
• Small-business entrepreneur, majority owner

The Enterprising Entrepreneur

• Small-business owner or majority owner
• Minimum of seven years in business
• Demonstrates outstanding skill, commitment, and accomplishment, while successfully navigating obstacles and influencing, mentoring, and encouraging others

The Enterprising Intrapreneur

• A woman who works for a business or non-profit of any size
• Not the owner but has used entrepreneurial qualities to implement or catalyze innovative changes within the organization
• Demonstrates significant leadership qualities at work and within her community

Nominations for each award can be submitted on behalf of an individual or business at www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO. Two references are required for each nomination, and criteria met for the Small Business Administration definition of a small business.

Finalists and their nominators will be notified in the first week of May, and the awards will be presented at the Celebrating Women In Business Luncheon and Awards on May 2 at the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center in Spearfish. The new BHSU Alumna Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented by the Black Hills State University Alumni and Advancement and the Women’s Business Choice Award, voted on live at the event, will also be awarded.

For more information and to submit nominations, visit SD CEO West Awards.