SPEARFISH The South Dakota CEO West Womens Business Center announces the commencement of nominations for the 13th annual Outstanding Women in Business Awards, celebrating outstanding women entrepreneurs and leaders in South Dakota. Nominations are now open and will be accepted until the deadline on March 18 at 11:59 p.m. MDT.
Winner of the Enterprising Woman Intrapreneur 2024 award, Amber Vogt, said, Winning this award means all the time I spend volunteering and trying to always hold up women to a higher standard with growth, ability and encouragement, while continuously making sure my familys needs are met, is all worth it!
Elizabeth Freer, director of South Dakota CEO West, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the efforts of women contributing to the economic development of their communities: Hard work, determination, and dedication are what it takes to own and grow your career or your business. With these awards, we recognize the women who are putting in incredible efforts in their business and our communities which have substantial economic impact.
The three award categories include:
The Enterprising Young Entrepreneur
- Has owned business for minimum of three years
- 35 years or younger as of May 14, 2025
- Small-business entrepreneur, majority owner
The Enterprising Entrepreneur
- Small-business owner, or majority owner
- Has owned business for a minimum of seven years
- Demonstrates outstanding skill, commitment, and accomplishment, while successfully navigating obstacles and influencing, mentoring, and encouraging others
The Enterprising Intrapreneur
- A woman who works for a business, organization, or non-profit of any size
- Not the owner but has used entrepreneurial qualities to implement or catalyze innovative changes within the organization
- Demonstrates significant leadership qualities at work and within her community
Nominations for each award can be submitted on behalf of an individual or business at www.BHSU.edu/SDCEO. Two references are required for each nomination, and criteria met for the Small Business Administration definition of a small business.
Finalists and their nominators will be notified in early April, and the awards will be presented at the Celebrating Women In Business Luncheon & Awards on May 14 at the Spearfish Holiday Inn Convention Center in Spearfish. The BHSU Alumna Entrepreneur of the Year Award, presented by the Black Hills State University Foundation and the Womens Business Choice Award, voted on live at the event, will also be awarded.
For more information and to submit nominations, go here.
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