More than 90 small businesses from across the state recognized as 2026 Michigan Celebrates Small Business award winners

Small business owners, employees and supporters will be celebrated at East Lansing gala on April 22 

East Lansing, MI – Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) today announced accolades for 94 small businesses from all across Michigan, including those on a path of breakout growth in the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch category. Launched in 2004, Michigan Celebrates Small Business has been recognizing and elevating Michigan small businesses for more than 20 years, with over 1,200 companies having been honored to date. MCSB awards entrepreneurs in 10 categories to honor the diverse landscape of small businesses. 

After receiving more than 1,000 nominations for the competitive 2026 awards program, 94 Michigan small businesses will be recognized for their role in contributing to Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering employee success and supporting local growth from Benton Harbor to Ishpeming to Dearborn. The full list of 2026 award recipients can be found at MichiganCelebrates.org. 

“When small businesses succeed, Michigan’s communities thrive,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Every day across our state, entrepreneurs innovate and develop dynamic workplace cultures that define and elevate them as they find sustained growth. Michigan Celebrates is designed to recognize those dreamers, builders, and leaders who uniquely contribute to our state’s economy, empowering their employees and communities through resilience and determination.” 

Small businesses and supporters from across Michigan will gather in April to celebrate the accomplishments of the 2026 awardees who elevate Michigan’s economy by creating strong workplace cultures that set them up for sustained growth and success. This year’s schedule includes a small business summit and VIP reception on Tuesday, April 21, as well as a new event this year: a pitch competition with a $10,000 grand prize. The two-day event culminates with a Capitol Day and black-tie awards gala on Wednesday, April 22. 

The Michigan 50 Companies to Watch are second-stage companies with 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees that generate $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital. The companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan. Judges evaluate the nominees’ demonstration of capacity for growth, sustainable competitive advantage, and other notable factors that showcase their success.  

Other small business awards that will be presented at the gala include: 

• MI 50 Distinguished Alumni Award: Great Place to Work 

• MI 50 Distinguished Alumni Awards: Strategically Focused 

• Legacy of Service Award 

• Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year Awards 

• Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Awards 

• Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year Awards 

• Best Small Business Awards by Michigan Small Business Development Center 

• Disability-Owned Small Business of the Year Awards 

• Micro Business Awards 

The full list of 2026 award winners can be found at https://michigancelebrates.org/2026-mcsb-award-winners/. 

About: The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) Foundation is the managing partner of MCSB, under the direction of an advisory committee. The advisory committee includes the Edward Lowe Foundation, Kinexus Group, Michigan Black Business Alliance, Michigan Small Business Development Center, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, National Veteran Business Development Council, Small Business Association of Michigan and West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. More about our history can be found at: https://michigancelebrates.org/about-mcsb/.