OEN Development Stage Company of the Year
These companies are in the early stages of fully launching their businesses on the market. They are in the process of establishing their production, marketing, sales, distribution and administrative functions and may be hiring employees or contractors to support their operations. These companies have begun to generate revenues from sales ($1-$10 million) and should either show an historical trend toward positive cash flow or have a credible plan to reach that objective in the near- to mid term.
OEN Growth Stage Company of the Year
These companies have a fully-marketable product or service, have earned a degree of market acceptance and have acquired a critical mass of customers. Their efforts are aimed not at remaining viable but at increasing market share, moving into new markets, adapting products or services to new uses and customers or increasing efficiency and cash flow. These companies have revenues in excess of $5 million and, if not profitable, are generating cash flow and are financially self-sustaining.
OEN Entrepreneurship Award of Individual Achievement
Individuals are considered eligible for the "entrepreneur of the year" award if they found and/or operate a new enterprise or venture, assuming material risk and personal accountability for the venture's survival. Applicants do not need to have been on the founding team but do need to have assumed leadership of the organization at a time in which its survival or success was not assured and have assumed significant risk to their career and/or personal assets.
OEN Development Stage Company of the Year
Companies in this category are the purest of start-ups. They may be in the process of setting up, developing and testing the products, processes, or services they intend to market. They are planning and may be seeking financing to cover initial market research, testing, equipment, rent and payroll for a few employees. Revenues from sales of products or services are in the $0-1 million range and the candidates are not expected to be profitable.
OEN Working Capital Stage Company of the Year
These companies are in the early stages of fully launching their businesses on the market. They are in the process of establishing their production, marketing, sales, distribution and administrative functions and may be hiring employees or contractors to support their operations. These companies have begun to generate revenues from sales ($1-$10 million) and should either show an historical trend toward positive cash flow or have a credible plan to reach that objective in the near- to mid term.