This is the second year of the St. Paul Business Awards — an effort started by St. Paul City Council members Jane Prince, Dai Thao and Rebecca Noecker in 2017 to recognize businesses with strong community ties.

Nominations will be accepted through Feb. 24. Anyone can nominate a business, including customers, neighbors, employees and owners. Last year, some 500 nominations were submitted. Awards will be presented March 22.

And the categories are:

-The Traditions Award recognizes a business that has been active in the city for at least 20 years.

-The New Kid on the Block Award honors a business that opened within the last five years.

-The Large Business Excellence Award is for businesses with at least 50 employees.

-The Small Business Excellence Award recognizes a business with fewer than 50 employees.

-The Alice O’Brien Award honors a woman-owned business.

-The Reflecting St. Paul Award honors a business owned by a person of color.

-And the People’s Choice Award, given to a business that is recognized for excellence by everyday St. Paul residents.