Small businesses today are responsible for 50% of private sector jobs in the United States and for creating about 65% of new, private sector jobs as well. Further, small businesses contribute 45%-50% annually to the United States gross domestic product. Cascade Capital Corporation’s annual Business Growth Awards Program recognizes outstanding area companies located in Summit, Medina, Portage, Stark, Wayne, Ashland and Holmes counties that have achieved outstanding levels of sales and/or employee growth over the past five years. These companies resulting sales and employee growth positively manifest the vitality of our local & regional economy.
The criteria to win a Cascade Capital Corporation Business Growth Award is:
- A company’s sales must have increased by 100% or at least $5 million over the past five years;
- A company’s full-time employee base must have increased by 50% or 25 actual employees over the past five years
Growth Award winners receive two complimentary tickets to the Cascade Capital Corporation Business Growth Awards Program, formal recognition at the event, and a stylish commemorative plaque. Awards for Manufacturing, Technology and Service categories are also presented for highest percentage increase in sales, highest percentage increase in employee growth and an overall group winner are also presented. There are three specialty awards:
- The Huntington Bank Legacy Award
- The Entrepreneurial Spirit
- Hard Work Award
Cascade Capital Corporation’s Business Growth Awards Program represents a premium networking event for business service professionals such as bankers, accountants, economic development professionals, attorneys and advocates engaged in servicing area small businesses. Business Growth Award nominations are mailed out in May and are closed in July. Businesses may nominate themselves as well. Please see the link to the Nomination form below. Business Growth Award nominations are mailed out in May and are closed in July. Businesses may nominate themselves as well. Please see the link to the Nomination form below.