Lansing, Mich – Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Awards program, a prestigious annual competition honoring thriving small businesses and their supporters. The nominations open with the addition of two new honors: the Disability-Owned Small Business Awards and the Micro Business Awards. 

MCSB offers a platform for Michigan companies to be recognized for their business endeavors and positive impact on the state’s economy. The gala launched in 2004 and has become Michigan’s premier awards program for small business. There have been over 1,000 companies honored at MCSB over the past 20 years, including 950 second-stage companies recognized by the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award. 

The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation will now serve as managing partner of the program, under the direction of a new advisory committee. The Foundation is planning new developments to transform and expand the program with small business focused activities and the renowned awards gala. The advisory committee includes:

• Edward Lowe Foundation
• Kinexus
• Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA)
• Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
• National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC)
• Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM)
• West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

“The SBAM Foundation is excited to build upon the rich history that the Michigan Celebrates Small Business program has brought to Michigan’s entrepreneurial economy,” said SBAM Foundation Board Chair Brian Calley. “We encourage people to nominate small businesses and join us in celebrating their achievements.” 

Awards open for nominations include:

• Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Awards
• The Best Small Business Awards

• Veteran-Owned Small Business Awards
• Minority-Owned Small Business Awards
• Women-Owned Small Business Awards 

Awards also will be presented to MCSB Alumni who were previously awarded as a Michigan 50 Company to Watch. The two award categories include:

• Great Place to Work
• Strategically Focused

To nominate a small business, visit https://michigancelebrates.org/. Self-nomination is also encouraged. 

Nominations close on November 11, 2024. All awards will be presented at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala in April 2025. 

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About Michigan Celebrates Small Business
Michigan Celebrates Small Business was created by a group of founding organizations that offer resources for small businesses. Since 2004, the annual awards gala has celebrated how small businesses positively impact our communities and state. MCSB is focused on supporting, connecting and celebrating small businesses in Michigan.