The deadline for the mayor's Small Business Awards nomination forms is Wednesday, Sept. 2.

Nominations are being accepted for the 2009 Small Business Awards. The 2009 awards will honor the diversity and excellence of Seattle’s small businesses, and their contribution to the city’s economic vitality and quality of life, according to the city.

Ten winners will be selected on the basis of excellence in management, entrepreneurial spirit, customer service, and community involvement.

“With innovative products and services, small businesses are vital to our community - creating good jobs and adding character to our neighborhoods,” said Nickels. “I hope you’ll nominate your favorite local business and tell us how it is making life better in Seattle.”

2009 marks the 25th year of the Mayor’s Small Business Awards program. Over the last two decades, the awards program has recognized more than 240 small businesses, many of which have gone on to experience significant growth.

Past recipients include such companies as: Starbucks Coffee Company (1984), Uwajimaya (1984), Ezell’s Fried Chicken (1989), the Dilettante (1990) and City People’s Mercantile (1993). Last year’s winners included Arab Film Distribution / Typecast Films; Compendium, Inc.; glassybaby LLC; and Macrina Bakery & Café.

Winners will be announced by the mayor at an awards ceremony at Town Hall on Oct. 13, 2009.

Anyone can nominate a small business. To request a nomination form, please contact Stephanie Beechem at (206) 684-0133 or stephanie.beechem@seattle.gov or download the form at www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment/.