PAW PAW, Mich.– Market One is excited to present the sixth annual Market One Awards, honoring organizations in Cass and Van Buren Counties that are making a meaningful impact on the vitality of our local economy.
Market One is seeking nominations from the public for the Best New Business of the Year awards from February 25 to March 25. Two awards will be available: one to recognize a business from Cass County and another to recognize a business from Van Buren County.
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities, and the Best New Business Award celebrates the passion and dedication behind them,” said Julia Rose, External Affairs Manager of Market One. “It takes courage and perseverance to start and grow a business, and we’re honored to recognize the risk-takers shaping the future of Cass and Van Buren Counties.”
The Best New Business Award is reserved for businesses that have been in operation for two years or less beginning on January 1, 2026, and produce a product or provide a service in Cass or Van Buren County. A strong candidate will exhibit excellence in some or all of the following: strategic planning, employee development, community involvement, and customer service. Nominations for the Best New Business can be made here.
Self-nominations are both accepted and encouraged. The total number of unique, high-quality nominations originating from community members will be considered in selecting the winner; nominations with identical responses will not be accepted as they will be considered ballot stuffing. The full set of nomination rules on Market One’s website can be found here.
Nominations will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on March 25, 2026. Eligible nominees will be invited to continue in the awards process through April 15. The Market One Board of Directors will then select the winners, and there will be a ceremony to honor the award winners in June. For questions regarding the Best New Business Awards, please reach out to Julia Rose at RoseJ@MarketOne.org.
Last year, the 2025 Best New Business of the Year award for Van Buren County went to Sly’s Seafood & Co. of Paw Paw, Michigan and the 2025 Best New Business of the Year award for Cass County went to Lake Effect HVAC Company of Dowagiac, Michigan.
About Market One
Market One is a nonprofit focused on connecting people, investments, and organizations with strategies and services that improve the quality of life and economic conditions in Cass and Van Buren counties. Our staff focuses on developing strategies that will allow our communities to thrive by addressing needs related to workforce, community, and business development. For more information, visit www.marketone.org, follow us on Instagram @Market1edo, or “like” us on Facebook @Market1edo.
