The Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (IES) is taking nominations for awards honoring individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to advancing the field of entrepreneurship among New Americans.
These awards aim to recognize the remarkable efforts and achievements of immigrants, community leaders, and immigrant advocates who have demonstrated exemplary commitment to entrepreneurship and have positively impacted their communities.
Nominations can be submitted online at iesusa.org/awards-nominate.Â
In the Midwest, IES has a presence in Iowa, in Davenport, Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, as well as in Minneapolis, Minnesota.Â
From now until Friday, Aug. 4, IES invites the public to submit nominations for the following four award categories:
- Immigrant Entrepreneur Leadership Award: This award recognizes a first-generation immigrant who has exhibited exceptional leadership qualities and entrepreneurial spirit, both in their professional and personal life, and has made remarkable contributions to the immigrant and larger community. The nominee should possess the ability to mobilize others and be widely regarded as a community leader.
- Outstanding Immigrant Business Award: This award celebrates an immigrant-owned business (with at least 50% ownership by a first-generation immigrant) that serves as an inspirational model of success, not only in terms of profitability but also in philanthropic endeavors. Nominees for this category are expected to employ business strategies that prioritize community investment, civic engagement, and maintain a healthy profit margin.
- Karen L. Evans Immigrant Champion Award: This award recognizes the exceptional efforts of a non-immigrant individual or organization (business, government, or non-profit) dedicated to making a positive impact on the immigrant community. Nominees for this category have actively facilitated the entrepreneurial endeavors of immigrants and fostered an environment where the unique skills immigrants bring to the workplace are valued and rewarded.
- Immigrant Spirit Award: This award celebrates a first-generation immigrant who has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to professional excellence in business and selfless pursuits. Nominees for this category have made significant accomplishments and contributions that have had a broad and substantial positive impact on the immigrant and larger community.
Nominations for the Immigrant Entrepreneur Awards must be submitted by Aug. 4, to be recognized at the Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit. An IES Quad Cities Regional Summit is planned for Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Vibrant Arena at the Mark, Moline.Â
