The Wisconsin Family Business of The Year Award

View Nomination Guidelines

Wisconsin family business of the year award logo

About the Award

The Wisconsin Family Business of the Year award highlights the accomplishments and valuable impact that family-owned businesses have on the Wisconsin economy and communities. Since the program began in 2004, we have recognized over 100 family-owned businesses. 

Why Nominate Your Family Business?

A nomination is an honor to not only the business, but the family behind it as well. This program serves as an effective way to bring well-deserved recognition to the positive things you do to impact your local community. A company’s marketing and employee morale benefit greatly from earning a nomination and/or award through this process. Listing your (or the business you nominate) accomplishments out in a virtually tangible list is a rewarding exercise and a reminder of achievements earned over the years.

Guests at the event

SAVE THE DATE

2023 Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Awards Gala

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Register

Nomination Guidelines

Self-nominations are encouraged. Nominations can also be submitted by anyone close to the business, such as an employee, client, banker, accountant, attorney, or other advisors.

All nominations must be received by 12pm CST on Friday, June 16, 2023. Information in the nomination form including photographs will be used by the sponsors for presentations and news releases about the awards. Any confidential financial information will not be used.

Grand Awards will be given in the following categories:

  • Small: 25-100 employees
  • Medium: 100-250 employees
  • Large: 250 employees and above

Please note, categories may be adjusted to accommodate the number of entries in a particular category. Special awards may also be given to companies excelling in a particular area.

A panel of independent business leaders will judge the nominations. Judges will determine winners based on content and quality of completed nominations.

The judges will consider:

  • Contribution to community and industry
  • Positive links between family and business
  • How family values influence the business
  • Business performance and innovative practices
  • Challenges overcome
  • How the business addresses strategic planning and risk management
  • How the business is preparing the next generation
  • Growth strategy and plan for the business

  • Must be a Wisconsin-based family owned business
  • Must have intentions of passing ownership to the next generation
  • Must have at least $2 Million in revenue
  • 2022 winners are unable to be nominated in 2023

Nomination Steps

Follow the two step process below to nominate a business.

assignment

Step 1

Submit the nomination form

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Step 2

Submit supporting documentation

Awards Gala

The 2022 Awards Gala provided a great opportunity to connect with local peers and celebrate family businesses. From cocktail hour to awards announcements, guests enjoyed an entertaining and informative evening learning more about the winning organizations.

Guests at past award event

Guest speaking at event

Guests participating at the event

Guests giving speech

Several guests posing for picture at event

Guests conversing at event

Our Sponsors

BDO Logo

First Business Bank Logo

Wisconsin School of Business Logo

Questions?

Contact Us for More Information on the Wisconsin Family Business of the Year Awards.

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