NOMINATION CATEGORIES
AND REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The PNM Entrepreneurial Leadership Awards are designed to acknowledge the accomplishments of New Mexico's most successful women- and minority-owned microenterprises. All award winners will receive a cash award and engraved plaque which will be presented June 6, 2008 at the Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid North.

Finalists must be prepared to substantiate financial information. All financial information provided will be held strictly confidential. Individuals may self-nominate; nominated business must have headquarters in New Mexico. The nominations deadline is May 9, 2008.

Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Qualified applicant will be a woman or minority who currently owns their own business and has owned it for at least three years; currently 50 or fewer fulltime employees; annual sales must be in excess of $50,000 with a profit in two of the last three years.

Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Qualified applicant will be a woman or minority who currently owns their own business and has been in business for less than 24 months. The business must address an identified need in the marketplace, have the potential to expand rapidly and enjoy long-term business success.

Rural Entrepreneur of the Year Award
Qualified applicant will be a woman or minority who currently owns their own business, has been in business for at least 36 months and is located in a rural community with a population of 50,000 or less.

Rising Star Award
Qualified applicant will be a woman or minority who currently owns their own business, has been in business for at least 12 months and who has had to overcome great personal obstacles to start and maintain their business.

Pioneer Award
Qualified applicant will be a woman who has been in business for at least three years and built a profitable business in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Leadership Award
Qualified applicant will be a woman and/or minority who is a role model for others in business. This person's leadership helps to advance the economic situation of women and minorities in New Mexico.