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Dell and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - a leading advocacy organization of small and independent businesses - founded the Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence Award in 2004. It was inspired by Michael Dell's experience starting a small business 25 years ago. Now in its sixth year in the United States, the award program has expanded to 13 countries worldwide. See Award News for details.
"Almost 25 years ago, as a small business, we introduced the direct model with a singular focus on listening to customers and working hard to get them exactly what they need. Listening and delivering on behalf of customers has been instrumental in our growth. Our partnerships give us an opportunity to highlight the successes of today's small businesses around the world." -Michael Dell, Dell Chairman and CEO
2008 Global Winner - Wiggly Wigglers
Wiggly Wigglers, a rural, England-based natural gardening company, was awarded for its innovation and leadership in social media. Using tools like Facebook®, podcasting and blogging, Wiggly Wigglers has grown to serve 90,000 customers worldwide while cutting their advertising budget by 80%. "We are thrilled to receive this award and can't wait to start blogging and podcasting with our customers all over the world to let them know," Wiggly Wigglers founder and director Heather Gorringe said. See the Award News [link] to read more about Wiggly Wigglers and all our past winners and finalists. Visit Dell's Small Business Flickr® page for downloadable award winner photos.
U.S. Winners
- Transport Designs, Inc. (2008), Montoursville, Pa. Manufactures custom trailers and truck conversion motor homes. Uses technology to adapt to customer needs on a detailed design level.
- Medkinetics (2007), Franklin, Tenn. Independent software vendor provides physician credentialing, hospital privileging and peer review services.
- Sew What? Inc. (2006) L.A.-based theatrical drapery manufacturer and custom sewing service uses technology to automate their factory and reach customers from New York to Sydney.
- Dr. Timothy Kriss (2005) Rural Kentucky neurosurgeon and small-business owner created a mobile medical office on Dell laptops.
- Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc. (2004) South Carolina-based design firm uses its Web site to sell custom home plans all over the world.
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2009 U.S. Finalists
- Acadia Foot & Ankle, P.A., Bangor, ME, is a three-physician foot and ankle medical and surgical treatment center using advanced three-dimensional scanners, digital x-rays and a Web-based answering service to provide high-quality patient care, speed transfer of information and cut costs.
- In an industry still using paper and pen to conduct inspections and inventory, American Wire Rope & Sling of Fort Wayne, IN, uses barcoding and RFID for more efficient inventory control and inspections, to better track repairs in cooperation with OSHA requirements, improve productivity and save money.
- Known as the "e-harmony of tutoring," Appleton Learning, Madison, AL, specializes in tutoring and test prep services, distinguishing itself by matching students and tutors based on the human elements of education.They credit their unique software as essential in providing this innovative service.
- Bellingham Internal Medicine, Bellingham, WA, leverages a custom-designed computerized medical office system, integrating electronic medical records, all aspects of business operations and communications to streamline operations. Through its use of technology, the four- provider practice is able to provide high-quality primary care internal medicine to Medicare recipients at Medicare rates, schedule an average of 30 minutes per patient visit, and earn near the median income for primary care providers in the area.
- Much like the soft-ware-as-a-service model, BusinesSuites of Austin, TX, offers clients subscription-based office space and services to free them of the burden of traditional long-term leases. BusinessSuites credits their investments in IT and people with saving the company and enabling them to deliver a superior customer experience.
- Forensic Training Network, San Francisco, CA, provides online and onsite training services to crime lab employees, law enforcement and attorneys on forensic science-related topics.Innovators of the ForensicHub, an online resource that connects the forensic community, and the first in its industry to create online and self-paced training modules, the company is helping clients address budget shortfalls and travel restrictions without sacrificing competency.
- GeoSource, Florence, AL, performs environmental assessment services for large timberland acquisitions being considered by institutional investors. Using a GIS-enhanced database application for aerial reconnaissance from helicopters, GeoSource is able to deliver faster, more thorough results of remote areas difficult to reach by ground.
- Specializing in immersive applications for the web, GroundWork Design, Richmond, VA, helps clients like The Julliard School and the University of Miami bring their campuses and experiences to life via rich multi-media.
- Interactive Marketing, Warrenton, VA, maker of the web-based Welcome Back Rewards customer loyalty solutions, offers small companies an affordable, cross-marketing loyalty program for capturing repeat business called City Masterkey. The Masterkey links merchant groups together in a loyalty coalition and brands the merchant group while giving the consumer one card that rewards them everywhere they shop or dine.
- Vitals, Lyndhurst, N.J., is an online doctor evaluation and comparison service that helps patients identify the right doctor for them. With more than 720,000 physicians nationwide and a daily user base of 100,000 and growing, Vitals' flexible database and web-user interface helped the company secure a number of key partnerships with major insurers and health providers.
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2008 U.S. Finalists
Escape Technology.
Glance Networks.
MedApps.
RNs On-Call.
Rugroden Drafting & Design.
ServusXchange.
TecAccess.
TechMD.
Transport Designs.
Your Beauty Network
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