Cutting-Edge Award

The Economic Development Department is excited to announce the Cutting-Edge Small Town Award Program to celebrate Littleton’s vibrant small business community! The Cutting-Edge Award was created out of the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to showcase businesses within Littleton that are moving the city towards becoming “A Creative Cutting-Edge Small Town.”

'25 Winners

District I – Town Hall Arts Center

Town Hall Arts Center was recognized for its role as a cultural cornerstone in Littleton. With more than 35,000 visitors annually, Town Hall drives economic activity, partners with local schools and businesses, and fosters community engagement. Their continued innovation and resilience, now entering their 43rd season, make them a leader in arts and downtown vibrancy.

District II – Doctors Care

Doctors Care was honored for its commitment to delivering affordable, high-quality healthcare to underserved populations. For over 35 years, they have supported the health and stability of Littleton’s workforce, children, and families. Their programs help residents navigate complex healthcare systems, ensuring access and well-being for all.

District III – AdventHealth Littleton

AdventHealth Littleton earned recognition for redefining cardiac care with its upcoming Heart & Vascular Institute, which will bring advanced procedures and cutting-edge technology to the region. As one of Littleton’s largest employers, AdventHealth continues to grow jobs, expand care, and invest in sustainability, while remaining a trusted healthcare and community leader.

District IV – Ted’s Montana Grill

Ted’s Montana Grill was recognized for more than two decades of innovation in sustainable dining. Their efforts have reduced plastic and food waste, supported bison conservation, and advanced farm-to-table practices. With over 1,000 Littleton residents employed since opening and more than 2 million guests served, Ted’s has made a lasting economic and community impact.

Program Information

NOMINATIONS

Littleton residents and businesses are encouraged to nominate businesses located within the City of Littleton that demonstrate characteristics such as creativity, economic growth, community engagement, and sustainability.

  • Who Can Nominate? Any Littleton business or resident
  • Who Can Be Nominated? Any business located within the City of Littleton
  • Self-Nominations? Yes! Businesses may nominate themselves or another business

Nominations should consider the Evaluation Criteria listed below that will be used by the Review Committee to officially score the list of nominated businesses, ranking how closely each business aligns with the criteria to ensure a fair and equitable outcome.

REVIEW COMMITTEE

A committee will review and evaluate the nominations in alignment with the evaluation criteria.

AWARD

The business with the highest evaluated score is the determined winner and will receive:

  • $500 to support business operations!
  • A commemorative award plaque for display!
  • Special mention in city media publications!
  • A complimentary one-year membership with the Littleton Business Chamber!

All of this will be provided at a celebratory ceremony held at the business site with members of the review committee and elected officials!

Evaluation Criteria

CATEGORY 1: INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY

Criteria: Businesses that demonstrate innovation and creativity in their products, services, processes, or business models. This can include the development of new technologies, unique marketing strategies, novel approaches to problem-solving, or disruptive innovations that have positively impacted their industry.

CATEGORY 2: CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECONOMIC GROWTH

Criteria: Businesses that make significant contributions to economic growth, such as job creation, revenue generation, attracting investment, expanding market opportunities, or enhancing the local business ecosystem.

CATEGORY 3: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND COLLABORATION 

Criteria: Businesses that actively engage with the local community and collaborate with other stakeholders to drive economic development initiatives. They can involve partnerships with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or other businesses to address community needs and opportunities.

CATEGORY 4: SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCE

Criteria: Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and resilience in their operations, including efforts to reduce environmental impact, promote energy efficiency, adopt sustainable business practices, or contribute to building a resilient economy that can withstand economic disruptions.

Nominations:

  • Nominations may be submitted via the provided URL within the open nomination period.
  • Nominations should describe how the business meets the evaluation criteria.

Review Committee:

  • The members of the review committee will review the results of the submitted nominations and determine a list of semi-finalists. The semi-finalists will be further evaluated in alignment with the categories of the evaluation criteria to determine finalists.

Awards Ceremony:

Economic Development staff will work with the winning business owner to coordinate a site visit and celebration inclusive of members of the review committee. The business owner will be gifted the award as outlined above.

  • To keep matters fair, awarded businesses are not eligible to win again for 2 years.
  • The business must be a permanent, brick/mortar location and be current in its payment of sales and/or property taxes to be considered for the award.
  • The winning business must agree to on-site ceremony and filming with intent to broadcast/publish by the City of Littleton.
  • Amendment or termination of this program may be performed administratively or as directed by City Council.

Important Dates

May 16 – July 18: Open Nomination Window
July – August: Review Committee Evaluation
September: Awards Ceremony

Related Information

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