The National Press Foundation has established a new annual journalism award and fellowship program, sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to promote journalism excellence about the integral relationship between businesses and the communities in which they operate.

The U.S. Chamber Award for Excellence in Local Business Reporting, which carries a $10,000 prize, will recognize outstanding coverage of local businesses across America.

Separately, a tuition-free fellowship will take place over four days in 2025 and give 35 journalists access to experts who can provide context and insights on local business and economic trends.

“We are pleased to support this critical mission by helping to train and educate journalists who cover the local business community,” said Michelle Russo, Chief Communications Officer at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Local businesses make a difference in communities across America. We look forward to supporting journalists who will tell these stories and recognizing excellence in reporting on local business at next year’s awards dinner.”

U.S.-based journalists will be able to apply for the award in August. A winner will be selected in the fall and presented with the award at the 2026 National Press Foundation Annual Journalism Awards Dinner.

NPF issues more than 15 awards every year to recognize and encourage excellence in journalism in keeping with our mission of “making good journalists better.”

“With current economic and consumer shifts, we need strong and nuanced reporting on jobs, industry and local economy. Never has it been more vital,” said NPF President Anne Godlasky. “We’re thrilled to add this important beat to our training roster and to honor outstanding coverage of local business at our annual awards gala.”