To the small business supporters-
The gathering was the 21st Gala for MCSB. Last evening, Tuesday, April 22nd, MCSB, and its founding partners celebrated the individuals who chose to do things differently and serve their communities in a new way. Yesterday, they raised a glass to the small businesses of our great state. Did you miss it, or were you there and want to relive the experience? We’ll share the official video once it’s set. And we will be processing the pictures and footage we captured from the Breslin Center over the next several days.
We’ll start you out today with footage of a special guest who dropped by the Gala celebration, in the YouTube video shared below:
90 small business owners and supporters were celebrated at East Lansing gala on April 22
Lansing, MI – Michigan Celebrates Small Business recently unveiled a range of accolades for small business owners throughout the state, including recognition for Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch and the introduction of new categories specifically for microbusinesses and disability-owned businesses. Launched in 2004, the Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards have been celebrating and elevating Michigan small businesses for more than two decades, with over 1,000 companies having been honored over the past 20 years.
After receiving more than 650 nominations for the competitive 2025 awards program, 90 Michigan small businesses were recognized for their role in growing the state’s economy, creating jobs and being an integral part of communities from Muskegon to Ironwood to Ann Arbor. The full list of 2025 award recipients can be found at MichiganCelebrates.org.
Small Business owners and supporters from across Michigan gathered last evening to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2025 awardees who have contributed to Michigan’s economy and are poised for sustained growth and success. This year’s celebration has included a small business summit and VIP reception on Monday April 21st, with a Capitol Day and black-tie awards gala on April 22nd.
“Michigan’s small businesses have demonstrated remarkable resilience. Even amidst significant challenges, these recipients of Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards are innovating and growing in extraordinary ways,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated entrepreneurs as the core of our state’s economy. They deserve all the recognition they can get, and we’re excited to bring everyone together next month to honor their achievements.”
MCSB offered nine awards categories this year to honor the diverse landscape of small businesses, including the notable Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award.
The Michigan 50 Companies to Watch must be second-stage companies, defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent (FTE) employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. The companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan. Judges for this award evaluate the applicants’ demonstration of intent and capacity to grow based on employee or sales growth, entrepreneurial leadership, sustainable competitive advantage, and other notable factors that showcase the company’s success.
Other small business awards are presented at the gala, including:
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Great Place to Work
- Distinguished Alumni Award: Strategically Focused
- Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Award
- Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Award
- Women-Owned Small Business of the Year Award
- Best Small Business by Michigan Small Business Development Center
New awards this year are:
- Disability Owned Small Business of the Year Award
- Micro Business Award
The full list of 2025 award winners can be found at https://michigancelebrates.org/mcsb-awardees/.
Michigan Celebrates Small Business was founded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Small Business Association of Michigan, U.S. Small Business Administration – Michigan, Edward Lowe Foundation, Michigan Business Network, and Michigan Small Business Development Center.
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