Answer:
B. Public recognition
Step-by-step explanation:
Legitimacy, in its primary sense, means acceptance.
People-based legitimacy revolves consensual acceptance of a particular individual by some group of people. This people-based legitimacy can be relayed to an individual through public recognition. Before anyone can enjoy people-based legitimacy, they must have done something worthwhile.
In the case of the owner of Elixir Force Inc receiving an award for most outstanding new entrepreneur of the year, it is clear that he is enjoying public recognition in context of people-based legitimacy.