The NADCO Diamond Awards Series, put simply, is a series of awards used to acknowledge CDC excellence in the area of economic development. This year, two awards will be given, the Partnership Award and the Innovation in Economic Development award. Please see below for specifications on the awards.
Process
A council of representatives from outside organizations has been carefully selected to review the nominations and determine the winner of the award. Details on the council will be released at a later date.
Timeline
3/30 - Nominations open
4/15 - Nominations close
4/16 - Committee begins reviewing nominations
5/12 - NADCO awards winners announced at the NADCO Spring Summit
DESCRIPTION. Presented to a CDC that has fostered a valuable partnership (or partnerships). This award will recognize a CDC for leveraging likeminded organizations in its community to maximize local economic impact.
REQUIREMENTS. In order for a nomination to be accepted, the nominee must meet the following requirements:
Nominee organization must be a CDC organization
Partnership organization or company must help with a local cause
Partnerships may be place-focused, targeting underserved communities, like LMI, HUBZones (one word), Enterprise Communities, or rural areas; OR population-based, serving veterans, women, or minority-owned small businesses.
Program must be in place for at least one year with measurable results.
NOMINATIONS. In order to make a nomination, please visit the nomination form online here. Note that nominations will require the following:
CDC name and contact information
Partner organization and contact information
Up to 500 words describing the partnership, purpose and results
Optional: Supporting collateral material or media placements
DESCRIPTION. Presented to a CDC that has used innovative means to meet the economic development needs of a specific community or population.
REQUIREMENTS. In order for a nomination to be accepted, the nominee must meet the following requirements:
Nominee organization must be a CDC organization
Innovation includes a new program, service or delivery process that has not been applied before.
Emphasis will be on innovations that benefit underserved communities and/or populations.
EXAMPLES. Examples include innovative services, programs or partnerships that fulfill one of the following economic development goals:
Making new capital available to small businesses in HUBZones, rural or low-income areas as well as to minority, veteran or women borrowers
Assisting underserved small businesses with assistance, training or coaching.
Combining different sources of capital to facilitate new economic development projects or programs.
Promoting entrepreneurship and business growth in specified areas or with specified populations.
NOMINATIONS. In order to make a nomination, please visit the nomination form online here. Note that nominations will require the following:
CDC name and contact information
Up to 500 words words detailing how a CDC has demonstrated innovation in economic development in the targeted community or population
Optional: Supporting collateral material or media placements