Guide to Creating a Winning Entry
The judges determine the three finalists for each category based solely on the information provided in the nomination packages. Follow these tips to give them everything they need and boost your chances of success. Our judges are independent members of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, volunteering to do the challenging work of selecting the award Finalists and Recipients. They can't wait to get to know you and your business!
Note sure where to start? Try using our AI Nomination Assistant to help you with your first draft, or to tidy up your point-form notes. (Users will need a free Chat GPT account.)
Tell Your Story
Every company has a unique story to tell about themselves and why they should be considered for the award they have been nominated for. Make sure that your answers to the questions in the nomination package fully demonstrate that story.
Assume the judges for your category know nothing about your business. To create a fair process, they won't be drawing from past experience or general reputation to make their decisions.
Use Examples to Demonstrate Excellence
As you tell your story try to focus on the aspects of your business that make you excellent. Using examples is a good way to do this. What changes or improvements have you made to your business to get it to where it is today? How did those things help your business?
Keep in mind that more is better. More facts, more examples and more stories about what you have done to get you to where you are today.
Be Complete
Fill out the questions in the nomination package as completely as possible. While most questions aren't mandatory, try to fill out as many as you can.
You have the opportunity to come back to your entry in Awardify and edit it until 11:59pm, September 8, 2025. The judges won't see earlier versions of your work.
Focus on the Local
If you are a franchisee or are a local operation of a larger organization, we still want to hear about you. Just remember to include information that focuses on the local Richmond based operation, branch, or franchise and why your local location is excellent.
Share Your Success
Part of determining the best companies in Richmond involves consideration of financial success. As judges, we understand that this does not always mean that all great companies are profitable at all times. For example, during early stages of a company lifecycle or rapid expansion, a company may decide to accept short term losses while building up the business. We also understand there may be real legal or competitive reasons that financial information cannot be shared. In these types of scenarios, please consider what types of information can be shared to demonstrate that the company has good financial management and success. Even telling us how you measure and monitor your financial success can make a big difference.
Get External Input
Consider getting input from others about why your business deserves the award and include that in your responses. If possible, ask colleagues from sales, marketing, operations or finance to contribute ideas or fact-check your answers.
Also consider having someone who knows you and your company well review what you have written prior to submitting your package just to make sure that your story is being told as well as you think it is.
