One Week Left to Recognize a Michigan Small Business That’s Making an Impact

Nominations still open for 2027 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Award

Lansing, MI – One week remains to nominate an outstanding Michigan small business for the Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Awards. The awards elevate the entrepreneurs and small businesses that strengthen Michigan through innovation, leadership, and local impact. Nominations close on Oct. 9, 2026.

Michigan Celebrates Small Business has honored the innovators driving our state’s economy forward through Michigan’s premier small business recognition program for more than two decades, recognizing more than 1,000 entrepreneurs for their community and statewide contributions.

“There is still time to nominate small businesses who have taken a risk, worked hard and persevered to build something that matters,” said Brian Calley, President and CEO of the Small Business Association of Michigan. “Michigan Celebrates Small Business provides a chance to recognize entrepreneurs and the impact they have on their communities, customers and employees. If there’s a small business in your community that has made a difference, now is the time to nominate them and help celebrate their story.”

Awards open for nominations include:

Recognition will also be given to MCSB Alumni who previously won a Michigan 50 Companies to Watch Award through the Great Place to Work and Strategically Focused awards. The 2027 awards will also recognize the SBDC “Best Small Business” companies.

“Being recognized as one of Michigan’s 50 Companies to Watch was incredibly meaningful because Moonwinks was built on more than a business idea – it was built around people and community,” said Kevin Cox, Owner of Moonwinks. “Our team, our customers, and the people who believed in us helped turn a neighborhood café and tavern into something much bigger than we originally imagined. Small business ownership takes risk, resilience, and a lot of long days, and recognition like this reminds entrepreneurs that their work and impact are being seen. I encourage people across Michigan to nominate a small business that is making a difference, because those stories deserve to be celebrated.”

To nominate a small business, visit https://michigancelebrates.org/. Self-nominations are also welcome. There is no cost associated with the nominations process.

Nominations close on October 9, 2026. All awards will be presented at the Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala on April 20, 2027.

The Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition will also return for Michigan Celebrates in 2027, with applications opening later this fall.

The SBAM Foundation manages the Michigan Celebrates program, under the direction of an advisory committee, including:

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