We have opened up nominations for the first annual Strom Center Entrepreneur of the year, Small Business of the Year, and Non-Profit of the year awards. These awards will recognize those who have made an outstanding impact on southwest North Dakota in 2010.

Winners in each category will be announced at a luncheon during the Strom Center’s annual Entrepreneurship Conference on April 19th at the Ramada’s Grand Dakota Lodge in Dickinson, ND. The criteria for each category are as follows:

Entrepreneur of the Year
An individual who demonstrates outstanding entrepreneurial success that has led to innovation, job opportunities and/or capital infusion into the local economy.

Small Business of the Year
Must be a privately held for-profit business in the southwest North Dakota and employ less than 20 full-time employees.

Not-for-Profit of the Year
Must be a registered not-for-profit that contributes significantly to the region.

Those wishing to nominate an individual or an organization should fill out an Online Nomination Form. Nominations are limited to one per category and self-nomination is encouraged.

By Clay Kraby

This educational event lasts from 10am – 3pm and will introduce a new fundraising model geared towards helping nonprofits reach their financial goals by focusing on improved organization and planning. Churches, charities, nonprofits, and other groups which attend will learn how to lead fundraising operations of all sizes and to avoid common pitfalls.

Those interested in attending can find more information HERE or call 701-483-2757. To register, visit www.COCOnonproifts.org. The cost of the event is $40, with discounts available for COCO members as well as North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations (NDANO) and Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) members.

COCO’s “No Money, No Mission” seminar is being held in partnership with the Impact Institute, the Strom Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and the Bush Foundation.