Roll out the red carpet and call Joan Rivers: awards season isn’t over yet!

CareerBuilder just announced the launch of its Big Strides in Small Business Award contest – an effort to recognize the small businesses that have done a particularly spectacular job of fueling job growth and fostering economic recovery this year…and we’re asking YOU to nominate your small business today.

Think your small business is a big deal?

The contest is open to small businesses with 250 employees or less located in the fifty (50) United States plus the District of Columbia.  In order to be eligible, the small business must have added a minimum of 10 employees to its company in 2011 and must plan to add a minimum of 10 jobs to its company in 2012. As always, some restrictions may apply, but you can get all those details – and fill out an application form – by going to the contest page now.

Did we mention there are prizes?

(Not that there needs to be, right? Because really, isn’t it an honor just to be eligible for nomination?) Okay, but for realz, the prize package is pretty sweet: the winner of the Big Strides in Small Business Award (see how the selection process works here) will receive a grand prize worth $12,000, including a complimentary pass to CareerBuilder’s upcoming User Conference in Chicago in October, and a slew of free CareerBuilder services. (I hear there was talk about throwing in a date with Nick Lachey, too, but apparently that’s been done.)

Did we mention you only have until April 15? So get on it! Nominate your small business today.