Recognize Michigan Small Businesses Making an Impact

Nominations now open for 2027 Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards

Lansing, MI – Do you know a Michigan small business with a story worth celebrating? Nominations are now open for the 2027 Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) Awards, elevating the entrepreneurs and small businesses that strengthen Michigan through innovation, leadership, and local impact. 

For more than two decades, Michigan Celebrates Small Business has honored the innovators driving our state’s economy forward through Michigan’s premier small business recognition program. 

“Behind every successful small business are Michiganders 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 gives all of us an opportunity to recognize those entrepreneurs and the impact they have on their employees, customers, and communities. 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. 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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