Forty-five companies were recognized at the Lehigh Valley Business (LVB) Fastest Growing Companies awards celebration last year. (courtesy photo)

Despite the economic challenges the coronavirus pandemic has caused both regionally and across the nation, the Lehigh Valley continues to have a dynamic and robust small business community.

Lehigh Valley Business (LVB) will be highlighting some of those companies through the 2020 Fastest Growing Companies Awards, which seeks to identify the region’s most dynamic small businesses that have made significant contributions to the strength of our local economy.

“The Fastest Growing Companies event helps the Greater Lehigh Valley recognize companies that are reporting solid growth and have shown they have the strength to be leaders in their industry,” said Cathy Hirko, LVB Associate Publisher and Editorial Director. “We are always excited to be celebrating their accomplishments.”

LVB is currently seeking nominees for their 9th annual Fastest Growing Companies event. The nomination deadline is July 24. An online application form can be found here.

The Fastest Growing Companies Awards is expected to be held on Oct. 14. It has not yet been determined whether it will be an in-person or virtual event, Hirko said.

The event will draw attention to a small business community that has already been highlighted nationally for its innovation and growth.

The Brookings Institution, a think tank based in Washington, D.C., announced earlier this year that Lehigh Valley ranked among the top 10 places its size in its entrepreneurship category. The category measures the change in jobs at young companies based in the Lehigh Valley.

To qualify for the LVB Fastest Growing Companies Awards, a business must be headquartered in the Lehigh Valley, have revenue of at least $500,000 in the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, and have shown growth over this period.

Visit the LVB website for more information about the Fastest Growing Companies Awards, how to nominate a company, and how to purchase tickets for the event.

Financial information will not be printed and will be kept confidential, Hirko said. Actual revenue amounts will not be published.