The Quinnton Harris Standard Bearer Award for Entrepreneurial Design Achievement celebrates Quinnton Harris’s entrepreneurial spirit, his dedication to innovation, and his commitment to shaping a better future through design.
The Quinnton Harris Standard Bearer Award for Entrepreneurial Design Achievement is open to design entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, leadership, and impact in their design ventures. Whether applicants are nominated by peers or apply directly, this award is an opportunity to acknowledge those who have successfully combined design excellence with entrepreneurial ambition to make a lasting difference in their field.
the Quinnton Harris Standard Bearer Award for Entrepreneurial Design Achievement
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The Quinnton Harris Standard Bearer Award for Entrepreneurial Design Achievement is open to design entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds who have demonstrated innovation, creativity, and leadership in their entrepreneurial endeavors. Applicants can be nominated by peers or submit an application on their own behalf.
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The applicant must be an active entrepreneur in the field of design, running or co-running a design-centered business, studio, or venture. This includes entrepreneurs in fields such as digital design, UX/UI design, product design, advertising, photography, creative technology, design research, or any other design-related enterprise where entrepreneurship and innovation intersect.
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Applicants must demonstrate how their entrepreneurial venture has made a significant impact on their industry, community, or society at large. This could include contributions to social innovation, the creation of sustainable business models, promoting diversity and inclusion through design, or the development of cutting-edge technologies or methodologies in design practice.
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The applicant must exhibit a track record of creativity and innovation in their entrepreneurial practice. This could be reflected in their approach to problem-solving, the unique value their business brings to the design landscape, or their ability to adapt and lead within the dynamic intersection of design and entrepreneurship.
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A key consideration for this award is the applicant’s commitment to social responsibility. Applicants must demonstrate how their entrepreneurial work fosters positive change, supports underrepresented communities, or addresses pressing social issues through design.
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The award is open to entrepreneurs at any stage of their career, but applicants must have at least 3 years of experience running or co-running their entrepreneurial venture in the design field. This ensures that recipients have a proven track record of leadership, impact, and success in their business.
The award will include a monetary grant or stipend to support the recipient’s entrepreneurial endeavors, as well as a feature in the State of Black Design publication, highlighting their journey, achievements, and contributions to the field.
the awardee will have the opportunity to share their story through a keynote presentation or panel discussion at the State of Black Design event, providing a platform to inspire and educate others about the power of entrepreneurial design.
Through this award, the State of Black Design aims to highlight the importance of entrepreneurial leadership in shaping the design industry and fostering inclusive, equitable practices. Recipients of this award will join a growing community of design visionaries.
Application and Nomination Process
Applicants for the Quinnton Harris Standard Bearer Award for Entrepreneurial Design Achievement may be nominated by peers, mentors, or industry leaders, or they may submit their own applications.
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A completed application or nomination form, which includes personal information about the nominee or applicant, business information, and background in design entrepreneurship.
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A portfolio showcasing the entrepreneurial venture and its impact. The portfolio should include examples of the business’s design work, key projects or products, and any relevant case studies that demonstrate creativity, innovation, and social impact.
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A 750- to 1,000-word narrative from the applicant or nominator that discusses the entrepreneurial journey, the vision behind the venture, and its impact on the design industry or society. This narrative should address the applicant’s commitment to social responsibility, innovation, and community engagement.
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Two letters of support from clients, peers, or industry leaders who can speak to the nominee or applicant’s entrepreneurial leadership, creativity, and impact within the design industry.
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A brief overview of the business’s metrics, such as years in operation, key milestones, revenue growth (if applicable), and the number of employees or collaborators.