Startups & SMBs

Startups & SMBs

Startups & SMBs

Best Business Comeback

Honoring businesses that faced adversity and came back stronger than ever.

What Companies Should Apply?

This category is for businesses that have successfully navigated setbacks—whether economic downturns, operational crises, or industry disruptions—and emerged stronger. If your company has pivoted, restructured, or reinvented itself to achieve a major turnaround, this is your chance to be recognized.

Ideal for resilient businesses that have fought through challenges and come out thriving.


Success Factors

What sets top applicants apart?

Overcoming Major Setbacks

1

Overcoming Major Setbacks

1

Overcoming Major Setbacks

1

Strategic Pivot or Reinvention

2

Strategic Pivot or Reinvention

2

Strategic Pivot or Reinvention

2

Financial Recovery & Growth

3

Financial Recovery & Growth

3

Financial Recovery & Growth

3

Leadership & Team Resilience

4

Leadership & Team Resilience

4

Leadership & Team Resilience

4

Market Repositioning & Success

5

Market Repositioning & Success

5

Market Repositioning & Success

5

Key Evaluation Critera

What will the judges use to evaluate your organization?

1

Revenue Rebound & Financial Stability

Submissions should include financial data showcasing significant revenue recovery and sustainable profitability.

1

Revenue Rebound & Financial Stability

Submissions should include financial data showcasing significant revenue recovery and sustainable profitability.

1

Revenue Rebound & Financial Stability

Submissions should include financial data showcasing significant revenue recovery and sustainable profitability.

2

Operational Adjustments & Efficiencies

Winning businesses will highlight process improvements that enabled their successful turnaround.

2

Operational Adjustments & Efficiencies

Winning businesses will highlight process improvements that enabled their successful turnaround.

2

Operational Adjustments & Efficiencies

Winning businesses will highlight process improvements that enabled their successful turnaround.

3

Customer & Market Reengagement

Companies should show how they regained lost customers or captured new market segments post-comeback.

3

Customer & Market Reengagement

Companies should show how they regained lost customers or captured new market segments post-comeback.

3

Customer & Market Reengagement

Companies should show how they regained lost customers or captured new market segments post-comeback.

4

Crisis Management & Adaptability

Strong entries will outline how leadership successfully navigated obstacles and managed risk effectively.

4

Crisis Management & Adaptability

Strong entries will outline how leadership successfully navigated obstacles and managed risk effectively.

4

Crisis Management & Adaptability

Strong entries will outline how leadership successfully navigated obstacles and managed risk effectively.

5

Brand Reputation & Trust Rebuilding

Comeback companies must demonstrate how they regained customer trust and strengthened their brand reputation.

5

Brand Reputation & Trust Rebuilding

Comeback companies must demonstrate how they regained customer trust and strengthened their brand reputation.

5

Brand Reputation & Trust Rebuilding

Comeback companies must demonstrate how they regained customer trust and strengthened their brand reputation.

6

Long-Term Sustainability & Growth Plan

A great comeback isn’t just about survival—it’s about setting up for long-term growth and market leadership.

6

Long-Term Sustainability & Growth Plan

A great comeback isn’t just about survival—it’s about setting up for long-term growth and market leadership.

6

Long-Term Sustainability & Growth Plan

A great comeback isn’t just about survival—it’s about setting up for long-term growth and market leadership.

Claim Your Spotlight

Ready to apply to Wand Awards? Success starts with recognition.

Boost Growth & Opportunity

Attract top talent, new customers, and valuable partnerships by showcasing your achievements with a Wand Award.

1000+ Chances to Win

With a wide array of categories and specialties, businesses of all sizes and industries have the opportunity to get recognized.

Fuel Revenue Growth

Companies that win industry awards see up to 48% higher revenue growth than their competitors (McKinsey & Co.). Recognition isn’t just prestige—it’s profit.

Global Exposure

Valuable Networking

Backed by Data

Claim Your Spotlight

Ready to apply to Wand Awards? Success starts with recognition.

Boost Growth & Opportunity

Attract top talent, new customers, and valuable partnerships by showcasing your achievements with a Wand Award.

1000+ Chances to Win

With a wide array of categories and specialties, businesses of all sizes and industries have the opportunity to get recognized.

Fuel Revenue Growth

Companies that win industry awards see up to 48% higher revenue growth than their competitors (McKinsey & Co.). Recognition isn’t just prestige—it’s profit.

Global Exposure

Valuable Networking

Backed by Data

Claim Your Spotlight

Ready to apply to Wand Awards? Success starts with recognition.

Boost Growth & Opportunity

Attract top talent, new customers, and valuable partnerships by showcasing your achievements with a Wand Award.

1000+ Chances to Win

With a wide array of categories and specialties, businesses of all sizes and industries have the opportunity to get recognized.

Fuel Revenue Growth

Companies that win industry awards see up to 48% higher revenue growth than their competitors (McKinsey & Co.). Recognition isn’t just prestige—it’s profit.

Global Exposure

Valuable Networking

Backed by Data