How to Craft a Winning 1921 Awards Submission

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The 1921 Awards celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit and community impact of founders in Tulsa. We’re looking for entrepreneurs who have not only achieved business success, but those who have also made a positive impact on the community. Nominating a deserving individual is a powerful way to recognize their hard work and contribution. However, a truly impactful nomination goes beyond simply filling out the form. The selection committee heavily weighs the thoughtfulness and impact described in the application. Being intentional with your words can significantly boost your nominee's chances.

This post will guide you through crafting a compelling nomination, emphasizing how to showcase the nominee's achievements and potential with purpose. We'll use a fictional example – Community Member Wesley Smith nominating Founder Maya Rivers of Maya's Style Shop – to illustrate. (The phone number of the nominee must be correct as this is how we verify the nominee and the nomination.)

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You can nominate an entrepreneur here.

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Why Intentionality Matters

Think of the nomination form not just as a checklist, but as a story – the story of why this founder deserves recognition. Every answer, especially the narrative ones, is an opportunity to paint a vivid picture of their journey, their business's impact, and their connection to the values the award represents. Vague answers won't stand out. Specific, thoughtful responses demonstrate that you, the nominator, truly understand and value the nominee's contributions.

Walking Through the Application

Let's imagine Wesley Smith is nominating Maya Rivers. Here's how he might fill out the application, paying close attention to detail and intentionality, based on the provided form:

Nominator & Nominee Basics:

• 1. Are you nominating yourself? No
• 2. Your first name? Wesley
• 3. Your last name? Smith
• 4. Your email address? wesley.smith.community@email.com (Fictional)
• 5. Nominee's first name? Maya
• 6. Nominee's last name? Rivers
• 7. Nominee's email address? maya.rivers@mayasstyleshop.com (Fictional)

Nominee Eligibility & Details:

• 8. Born/Lived in Tulsa? Yes 
• 9. 18 years or older? Yes
• 10. Name of nominee's business? Maya's Style Shop
• 11. Primary product/service? Curates and sells clothing from local Tulsa designers and sustainable brands, with a focus on empowering emerging creators.
• 12. Nominee's primary phone number? 555-555-1234
• 13. Nominee's personal address? 124 Reconciliation Way
• 14. City nominee lives in? Tulsa
• 15. Zip code for nominee's primary residence? 74103
• 16. For-Profit Small business (3+ years)? Yes
• 17. Gender nominee identifies with? Female
• 18. Nominee's Linkedin URL? linkedinsocial/in/mayarivers (Note: Fictional URL, not a link)
• 19. Nominee business website? www.mayasstyleshop.website (Note: Fictional URL, not a link)
• 20. Years business in operation? 5 years
• 21. Company 2024 revenue? $150,000 (Wesley calls Maya to explain that they are nominating them for the award and need an estimate of their revenue.) 
• 22. Business street address? 456 Reconciliation Way
• 23. City business located in? Tulsa
• 24. Business zip code? 74103
• 25. Incorporated in Oklahoma? Yes  (Wesley calls Maya to explain that they are nominating them for the award and asks for their incorporation status.) 
• 26. Type of Incorporation? LLC
• 27. Industry? Retail (Selected from the provided list)

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The Narrative: Where Intentionality Shines

These questions are crucial. Wesley needs to be specific and connect Maya's work to the award's purpose.

• 28. Why does the nominee deserve the 1921 Award?

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• Intentional Answer Example: "Maya Rivers deserves the 1921 Award because Maya's Style Shop is more than a store; it's a platform for Tulsa's creative talent and a champion for sustainable fashion. Maya has intentionally built a business that uplifts local designers, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, giving them crucial retail exposure. Her commitment to ethical sourcing and community building makes her a standout entrepreneur driving positive change in Tulsa's retail landscape."

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• 29. How has the nominee's business positively impacted the Tulsa community? (100-150 words)

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• Intentional Answer Example: "Maya's Style Shop positively impacts Tulsa by providing a dedicated space for over 15 local designers to sell their work, fostering the local creative economy. Maya hosts monthly workshops on sustainable fashion practices (mending, upcycling) and collaborates with community centers to donate professional attire. The store serves as a vibrant hub, creating 3 part-time jobs and promoting conscious consumerism, directly benefiting Tulsa residents and aspiring artists." (Wesley ensures this fits the word count).

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• 30. How does the nominee embody the legacy of Black Wall Street? (100-150 words)
  
  • Intentional Answer Example: "Maya embodies the legacy of Black Wall Street by fostering economic independence and community wealth through entrepreneurship. Like the Greenwood pioneers who built businesses to serve and uplift their community, Maya created Maya's Style Shop to provide opportunity for local creators. Her focus on showcasing Black designers and promoting sustainable, locally-sourced goods echoes the original principles of self-sufficiency, cooperative economics, and building a thriving cultural and commercial center from within." (Wesley links Maya's current actions to historical principles).

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• 31. What could this award do for the nominee's company?
  
  • Intentional Answer Example: "Winning the 1921 Award would enable Maya's Style Shop to significantly expand its impact. Funding would allow Maya to launch an e-commerce platform to broaden the reach of Tulsa designers, invest in larger inventory quantities from local creators, and establish a small grant program for emerging designers needing seed money for materials. This would solidify the store's role as a key incubator for Tulsa's fashion talent." (Wesley focuses on specific, actionable outcomes).

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• 32. Anything else you'd like to share about the nominee?
  
  • Intentional Answer Example: "Maya actively mentors young designers she features in her store, offering guidance on branding and business basics. She also organizes an annual 'Tulsa Threads' fashion show highlighting local talent, demonstrating a deep commitment to nurturing the city's creative ecosystem far beyond her own storefront." (Wesley adds a personal touch highlighting Maya's character).

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Key Tips for Nominators

1. Be Specific: Instead of saying "made an impact," explain how (e.g., "provides retail space for 15 local designers"). Quantify when possible.
2. Connect to Values: Explicitly link the nominee's work and character to the legacy of Black Wall Street (community building, resilience, economic empowerment).
3. Show, Don't Just Tell: Provide concrete examples of their actions, leadership, and impact (e.g., workshops, donations, mentorship).
4. Highlight Potential: Clearly articulate how the award would help the nominee and their business grow their impact (e.g., e-commerce, grant program).
5. Proofread: Ensure your answers are clear, concise, and free of errors.

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Nominate with Purpose

Taking the time to craft a thoughtful and intentional nomination honors both the nominee and the spirit of the 1921 Awards. By detailing their specific contributions and potential, you give them the best possible chance of receiving this prestigious recognition. 

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Do you know several outstanding entrepreneurs who fit the bill? Great news! You are welcome to nominate more than one deserving individual for the 1921 Awards. An entrepreneur can be nominated multiple times, so submit a nomination even if you know they've already been nominated. Every thoughtful nomination highlights the incredible talent within our community. Nominate your entrepreneur today.

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