2021 Deaf Owned Business Awards
Award Categories
Deaf Owned Business
Deaf-owned business that demonstrate growth and impact in 2020-21 are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate success in their industry and growth for the award period.
Deaf Minority-Owned Business
Deaf minority-owned business that demonstrate growth and impact in 2020-21 are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate success in their industry and growth for the award period.
*Entrants in this category will automatically be enrolled in the Deaf Owned Business category and eligible in both.
Community Impact
Businesses generate a local community impact are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate traction and provide examples of how the business impacts their local community in one of the following areas: Serving underprivileged communities, climate change, community activism, accessibility.
Nonprofit Organization
Organizations designated as 501c3 nonprofits and serve individuals who are deaf and/or hard of hearing as a part of their mission are eligible. Nominees should demonstrate how the organization impacts their community in one of the following areas: Serving underprivileged communities, climate change, community activism, accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! We encourage businesses to self-nominate or to ask others to help with their nomination. Having someone else nominate your business does not help or hurt your chances. All awards are based on the merit and success of the businesses themselves.
Yes, we encourage businesses to enter any category they feel they are a good fit for. A business can only win one category per year.
Anybody who self-identities as being deaf, hard of hearing, or having any form of hearing loss and has an ownership stake in the company is eligible. This includes intersectional identities of which deafness is a part (i.e. Black Deaf, DeafBlind, LGBTQ, or any other identity.)