Thank you to our generous sponsor:
 

Nurse entrepreneurs use their professional nursing experience, their passion, and their education to start their own businesses in the healthcare industry. This award is given to a nurse who is driven to start a privately-owned business in the healthcare industry or whose business is within its first two years of operation. The business may include, but is not limited to, developing and selling a home health product or medical device or offering independent nursing services, such as patient care, nursing education, home health, and/or consulting services.

To qualify, an applicant must have a valid Pennsylvania nursing license that is in good standing and own a company or organization based in, founded in, or have a significant presence in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Award finalists will be invited to participate in a virtual interview with members of the selection committee.

PRIMARY CRITERIA
Download the printable details about the Guardian Nurses Entrepreneurial Award.

The nurse entrepreneur must be the founder of an existing business no greater than two years old or in the midst of starting their own business and must share a fully developed business plan.
 

• The business plan or existing business must demonstrate profitability.
• The business plan or existing business must demonstrate growth and long-term potential.
• The business plan or existing business must be an independent company (and not a subsidiary or franchise).
• The business plan or existing business must value and demonstrate relationship-based principles of business.
• The entrepreneur must note contributions to the community through charitable or leadership roles.
• The entrepreneur must demonstrate an ability to overcome adversity as well as a commitment to welcoming diversity.
• The nurse entrepreneur's business idea must have received local or regional recognition.
• The business, if operating, is in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• The entrepreneur must have a valid PA nursing license in good standing.
• The business must be based in, founded in, or have a significant presence in Pennsylvania.
• The business has an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Please use this guide to provide supporting materials for your application portfolio. Include information or materials you think would be helpful to the selection committee in considering this year's honoree. Remember, judging is conducted solely from the quality of the information and materials submitted. Please do not submit audio/visual materials or materials that must be returned.
Within this application, you will submit everything below as file uploads. 

• Business Plan: Concise description of the business/organization; list of principles involved (full name and contact information); mission/vision statement; short- and long-term goals/strategic plan; budget/proposed budget; investors/potential investors if applicable; and marketing plan.
• Entrepreneur Biography: This should include the nurse entrepreneur's resume and history, as well as mission/vision statements for the business or organization. Include information that tells the story of the nurse entrepreneur. Include brochures, if applicable, as well as testimonials or articles.
• Growth: Describe how the nurse entrepreneur has contributed to the founding of the business or organization. Please include measurable data, such as statistics showing revenue growth over a period of time and how the nurse entrepreneur contributed to this growth. Also, describe the nurse entrepreneur's potential for continued growth and achievement going forward.
• Innovation: Describe a unique quality of the nurse entrepreneur and/or their business or organization. This may be a tangible product or technology, a patient innovation or practice, or something that distinguishes the nurse entrepreneur, the business, or the organization within the healthcare industry.
• Achievements: List any honors, awards, or achievements that the nurse entrepreneur and/or the business or organization has earned.
• Recommendations: Submit two letters of recommendation.
• Service and Entrepreneurial Spirit: Describe how the nurse entrepreneur and the business or organization has reinvested in its community. List any involvement with business organizations, charitable or civic causes, or any involvement that would enhance the quality of life and give back to the community.

DEADLINE
Applications containing all supporting materials are due August 15, 2024.

SPONSORED BY
This award is sponsored by Guardian Nurses Healthcare Advocates. $5,000 will be awarded.