HICKORY — The City of Hickory’s Business Development Committee is accepting nominations for the 2026 Business. Well Crafted. Awards, the city said Aug. 27, 2026.
The city described its economic-development vision as serving as a regional economic leader by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across key high-potential sectors to enhance quality of life. The awards program seeks to recognize businesses and individuals that support that vision.
Categories listed:
- Individual (Entrepreneur of the Year)
- Youth (Entrepreneur 25 years of age or younger)
- Woman-Owned Business
- Veteran-Owned Business
- Historically Underutilized Business
- Business or Organization (10 or fewer employees)
- Business or Organization (11 to 50 employees)
- Business or Organization (51 or more employees)
Businesses must have operated for at least two years. The business or its owners must not have received a Business. Well Crafted. Award within the past five years.
“Hickory is fortunate to be home to many successful businesses and inspiring entrepreneurs,” Business Development Director Dave Leonetti, staff liaison to the committee, said. “The BDC is excited to offer this opportunity to recognize community members who share the City’s vision for growth and economic strength and who work to enhance the quality of life for Hickory residents through thoughtful, forward-looking business practices.”
Nominations may be submitted online at www.hickorync.gov/business-well-crafted-awards through 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30. Nominees will receive a response form asking them to describe how their work promotes the city’s vision, why those efforts are significant, and to list related activities.
Questions may be directed to Business Development Coordinator Amy Le at [email protected] or 828-261-2293.
The Aug. 27 notice does not list last year’s winners, a ceremony date, or a prize amount.
Official release from City of Hickory, Aug. 27, 2026. https://www.hickorync.gov/nominations-2026-business-well-crafted-awards
