HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) – The City of Hickory’s Business Development Committee (BDC) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Business. Well Crafted. Awards program.

The City of Hickory’s Vision for Economic Development is to serve as a regional economic leader by fostering innovation, collaboration, and sustainable growth across key high-potential sectors to enhance the quality of life for all. The BDC’s Business. Well Crafted. Awards program seeks to recognize businesses and individuals that support and affirm this vision.

Awards may be presented in the following categories:

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)

To qualify, businesses must have operated for at least two years, and the business or its owners must not have received a Business. Well Crafted. Award within the past five years. Nominations may be submitted online at www.hickorync.gov/business-well-crafted-awards through 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30. Nominees will receive a response form asking them to describe how their work promotes the City’s Vision for Economic Development, why these efforts are significant, and to list related activities.

Questions about the Business. Well Crafted. Awards may be directed to Business Development Coordinator Amy Le at ale@hickorync.gov or 828-261-2293.