Be Recognized and Rewarded For Your Impact

We’re looking for the change-makers, the innovators, the problem solvers — the small businesses doing big things to drive growth and ingenuity, both locally and globally. Apply to our premier Spotlight on Business awards, to earn your spot on our list of the region's top businesses. Enter your business in up to five award categories spanning a broad range of specialties, including civic leadership, technological innovation, environmental excellence, cultural resourcefulness, and creative entrepreneurship.

The 2025 application deadline is October 1, 2025.

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Top Reasons to Apply

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Meet Our Keynote Speaker

Meet our special keynote speaker at our exclusive Annual Meeting this fall! 

Free Membership with the Chamber

Every winning applicant receives a one-year membership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber and can take advantage of exclusive offers from top B2B brands, access to private events, webinars, and more!

Visibility that Matters

Winners and finalists are featured across Chamber channels, regional media, and in front of our judging panel of civic and industry leaders. That kind of visibility builds credibility and keeps your business top of mind.

5 Categories Honoring the Best in Business
​You can apply into all five categories.

Civic Leader 

Recognizes organizations that actively support civic engagement, economic development, and public policy efforts that strengthen Pierce County. These leaders champion collaboration between the business community and public entities.

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Industrial Innovator

Celebrates organizations using manufacturing technologies or emerging solutions to scale operations, enhance customer experiences, or redefine products and services. Honorees demonstrate how industrial innovation transforms business performance and industry standards.

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Creative Champion 

Celebrates businesses, nonprofits, and organizations driving growth and innovation in the creative economy. This includes sectors such as design, media, arts, marketing, architecture, film, music, and other creative industries. These honorees leverage talent, originality, and market insight to deliver products, services, or experiences that elevate Pierce County’s cultural and economic vitality.

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Force Multiplier 

Honors small businesses and nonprofits with one to ten employees that have built thriving enterprises while maintaining a lean structure. These businesses exemplify resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

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Environmental Steward  

Recognizes organizations leading the way in sustainability and environmental responsibility. These organizations implement practices that reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and inspire others to adopt greener approaches.

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Spotlight on Business Awards Benefits

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Spotlight on Business Awards?

The premier Spotlight on Business awards is your chance to earn a spot on our list of the region's top businesses. Enter your business in up to five award categories spanning a broad range of specialties, including civic leadership, technological innovation, environmental excellence, cultural resourcefulness, and creative entrepreneurship.

Is my company eligible?

To apply for the Spotlight on Business Awards, an applicant must:

• ​Meet the qualifications tied to each award category.
• Be a for-profit business operating for at least one (1) year prior to May 4, 2024, primarily based within Pierce County, Washington, or the South Sound region.
• Agree to all of the Award Rules, including potentially attending the award ceremony.
• Employees, officers, and directors of Sponsors and any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families (parents, spouse, children, siblings) or individuals residing in their household (whether or not related) are not eligible applicants.
• Businesses awarded a Spotlight on Business Award during the prior years are not eligible to apply for the awards until three (3) years following.

Please inquire to learn more about the terms and conditions and the full program rules.

How do I apply for the Spotlight on Business Awards?

​Eligible applicants may click above to apply for the awards.

Please be aware that once you submit your application, it will be considered final, and no revisions are permitted.

How much is the application fee?

​There is no entry fee for the 2025 awards. Please consult the Program Rules for details on a no-fee method to submit your application.

When is the deadline to submit an application for the Spotlight on Business Awards?

​The deadline to apply is October 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

What can I expect from the application process?

The Spotlight on Business Award application allows you to holistically describe and showcase your business. There are three main parts of the application:

• Eligibility — Answer a few questions about your business to determine if you’re eligible to apply.
• Business Information — Share the basics about your business (name, location, etc.), as well as some straightforward questions about your 2024-2025 operations and outcomes.
• Category Examples — We ask you to provide examples of your work that pertain to the category of award that you apply for in order to best represent your business’s strengths. 

How are winners for the Spotlight on Business Awards chosen?

​A panel of judges, including representatives from the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber staff, will choose businesses ("Honorees") to be named the winner in their category for 2025. 

How are businesses entered into the awards?

​A business must fill out an application in order to enter. Organizations and trade associations are encouraged to refer businesses to the program. However, the business itself must submit an application for the Spotlight on Business Award to be considered.

Can I apply for the Spotlight on Business Awards if I won in a previous year?

Maybe. If you’ve been previously named a Spotlight on Business Award winner, you are not eligible to apply again until three (3) years following.
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Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn about other opportunities to get involved in this year’s awards program.

My sales decreased from 2024 to 2025. Should I still apply?

​Yes! You should still apply. In your application, be sure to address any figures you reported and outline your business plan or strategies for growth in 2025 and beyond.

How can I strengthen my application?

​A strong application will draw a clear and concise picture of how the business operates, what makes it unique, and how it has overcome challenges. Make sure your completed application clearly describes your business’s relationship with its community, customers, and employees. 

Can I save my answers and work on my application later?

​No. We recommend reflecting on the questions in a local document and then submitting final answers via the official forms.

How can I let businesses in my network know about the Spotlight on Business Awards?

Encourage businesses in your network to apply for this year’s awards program via your social media and email platforms using the information from this page.

How can my company sponsor this event?

​Please email [email protected] for more information on sponsorship opportunities for the Spotlight on Business Awards.

Any additional questions?

Questions regarding Spotlight on Business Awards can be sent to [email protected].