The Business Spotlight Program was created in order to recognize and showcase local area businesses that are vital to the City’s growth and prosperity. Through this program, members of the community are exposed to a variety of businesses that have displayed their growth in both sales and workforce capacity, have demonstrated diversity in their workplace, have a good reputation within the community, and have displayed their generosity by giving back to the community and local charitable organizations. These traits are also the basis for evaluation of nominees.

Businesses who receive the honor of being featured as one of our “Spotlights” are presented to City Council to acknowledge their strong work and generosity. Honorees receive a formal proclamation, free scholarship to FastTrac Growth Venture, and will receive free social media marketing opportunities courtesy of the Office of Business Opportunities.

Nominated businesses are also judged on the following requirements:
*They must be in good standing with the Secretary of State’s Office and the Better Business Bureau
*They must be current on city and county taxes, business license status, and water/sewer fees
*They must be located or operate within the city limits or be a customer of the city’s water/sewer area
*They should be privately owned, have fewer than 200 employees and have at least two successful years of operation.

To nominate a business for Business Spotlight, please contact the Office of Business Opportunities at 545-3950 or download an application form below.

2021 City of Columbia Small Business Spotlight Honoree

Business Spotlight Application  
Business Spotlight Brochure