The Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (PWCDEDT) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Make Your Mark Awards, recognizing the businesses, organizations, and leaders helping shape Prince William County’s economy and community.
The Make Your Mark Awards highlight the people and companies driving innovation, creating jobs, investing in the community, and contributing to the county’s growing momentum across industries including tourism, entrepreneurship, technology, hospitality, manufacturing, and small business development.
The awards will be announced during the fourth annual Make Your Mark Business Celebration on November 12, 2026 at the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
Award categories include:
Business Ambassador Award
Supporting startups, small businesses, or workforce development
Economic Legacy Award
20+ years of transformational economic impact in Prince William County
Fastest Growing Company Award
Exceptional growth in revenue, employment, or market expansion (1-3 years)
Destination Experience Award
Elevating visitor experience and positioning Prince William County as a premier destination
"From longtime community anchors to emerging innovators, the Make Your Mark Awards celebrate the energy, investment, and leadership helping move our community forward," said Christina Winn, executive director, PWCDEDT.
Nominations are open to businesses located in Prince William County. Businesses located in the City of Manassas and City of Manassas Park are not eligible for these awards.
The department welcomes nonprofit organizations, tourism partners, and individuals making a meaningful contribution to Prince William County’s economic vitality and community experience to nominate themselves.
"These awards are not decided behind closed doors by county staff; instead, we have developed a judging platform where members of the business community can share meaningful feedback with applicants," said Trevor Johnson, deputy director, PWCDEDT. "That’s why a business' nomination application matters. This is your chance to tell the story behind the growth, including the risk, the creativity, and the momentum that people may not always see from the outside."
To submit a nomination or learn more about eligibility and award categories, visit https://apps.pwva.io/mym-awards.
To volunteer as a judge, reach out to Laura Berry, marketing director, PWCDEDT at lmberry@pwcgov.org.
Nominations close on September 17, 2026.