Citizens Bank has opened nominations for its annual Small Business Community Champion Award Contest which aims to recognize the positive contributions small businesses make within their communities.

The contest, which is in its seventh year, will award $10,000 each to 30 small businesses across Citizens’ footprint, including 10 minority-owned and 10 women-owned businesses.

This year, for the first time, Citizens will set aside five of its 30 awards exclusively for veteran-owned businesses along with five other qualifying businesses.

Nominations are open until 5 p.m. on Feb. 1 and can be done by visiting www.businesschampion2024.com