Spotlight on Business Awards

Spotlight on Business Awards

Funder: Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce

Status: Active - 2026 application details coming soon

Geographic Scope: Pierce County, Washington and South Sound region

Program Overview:
The Spotlight on Business Awards is the Chamber's premier recognition program for businesses doing exceptional work and driving growth and innovation locally and globally. Applicants can enter up to five award categories.

Award Categories

• Civic Leader - Recognizes organizations that actively support civic engagement, economic development, and public policy efforts that strengthen Pierce County. These leaders champion collaboration between the business community and public entities.

• Industrial Innovator - Celebrates organizations using manufacturing technologies or emerging solutions to scale operations, enhance customer experiences, or redefine products and services. Honorees demonstrate how industrial innovation transforms business performance and industry standards.

• Creative Champion - Celebrates businesses, nonprofits, and organizations driving growth and innovation in the creative economy. This includes sectors such as design, media, arts, marketing, architecture, film, music, and other creative industries. These honorees leverage talent, originality, and market insight to deliver products, services, or experiences that elevate Pierce County's cultural and economic vitality.

• Force Multiplier - Honors small businesses and nonprofits with one to ten employees that have built thriving enterprises while maintaining a lean structure. These businesses exemplify resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges.

• Environmental Steward - Recognizes organizations leading the way in sustainability and environmental responsibility. These organizations implement practices that reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and inspire others to adopt greener approaches.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

Meet the qualifications tied to each award category

Be a for-profit business operating for at least one (1) year prior to May 4, 2024

Be primarily based within Pierce County, Washington, or the South Sound region

Agree to all Award Rules, including potentially attending the award ceremony

NOT be employees, officers, directors of Sponsors and affiliated entities, or their immediate families/household members

NOT be businesses awarded a Spotlight on Business Award in prior years until three (3) years have passed since the award

Benefits

• Keynote Speaker Appearance - Meet the special keynote speaker at the exclusive Annual Meeting in fall
• Free Membership - One-year membership with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
• Exclusive Offers - Access to exclusive offers from top B2B brands, access to private events, webinars, and more
• Visibility - Winners and finalists featured across Chamber channels, regional media, and in front of judging panel of civic and industry leaders

Application Fee

No entry fee for 2026 awards. A no-fee method to submit is available per Program Rules.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (253) 627-2175

Address: 950 Pacific Ave, Ste 300, Tacoma, WA 98402

Additional Notes

• Winners and finalists receive significant visibility across Chamber channels and regional media
• A panel of judges including Chamber staff will select honorees
• Applicants with decreased sales are still encouraged to apply; address figures and outline growth plans
• Sponsorship opportunities available (email [email protected] for details)
• Applications cannot be saved and worked on later; drafting locally is recommended before submitting final answers