Nominations for the 15th annual Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards are now open.

The Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards were established in 1994 to recognize the achievements, excellence and innovation of Niagara's entrepreneurs. The awards are supported by a committee of volunteers from Niagara's corporate, education and economic development sectors. The men and women who have been recognized through these awards exemplify the true spirit of entrepreneurship.

Awards are presented in the following categories: Innovative Small Business, Established Enterprise, Technological Innovation, International Trade, Tourism Enterprise, Family Enterprise, Emerging Entrepreneur and the new Agriculture Enterprise category.

'There are many wonderful entrepreneurs that strengthen and develop Niagara business that need to be showcased and acknowledged," said Stan Pride, chair of the Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year awards.

"I encourage people to submit their nominations, or to encourage others to submit their nomination for one of the eight award categories in 2008."

Nomination forms can be downloaded at www.niagaraentrepreneur.com or call 905-688-5757 to have a nomination form mailed to you.

The opportunity for nominations will end Aug. 31. Recipients will be announced in February.