Michigan Celebrates Announces 2019 Awardees

Small business owners and supporters will come from all across the state to show their support for Michigan’s growing companies at the state’s premier awards program for small business. The 15th Annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) awards gala will be on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.

Over 80 businesses will be recognized for their role in growing Michigan’s economy and creating jobs. The “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” will be recognized at the celebration.

“Michigan Celebrates embraces companies that have a significant effect on job creation, innovation and moving the state’s economy forward. These companies, their leadership and employees embody perseverance and inspiration. They are genuinely ‘made’ in Michigan,” stated Brian Calley, President of Michigan Association of Small Businesses and an MCSB board member. 

The 2019 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch have made a substantial economic impact, responsible for $394.7 million in total annual revenue during 2018, a 26.5 percent increase in total revenue compared to 2017. Together they provide 1,710 full-time equivalent employees, 1,589 within the state of Michigan, and are projected to create over 424 new jobs in 2019.

Companies nominated for the “Michigan 50 Companies to Watch” list must be second-stage companies, defined as having 6 to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. In addition, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.

Judges from the economic and entrepreneurship development organizations selected the winners. The judges evaluated the nominees’ demonstration of intent and capacity to grow based on the following:

  • Employee or sales growth
  • Exceptional entrepreneurial leadership
  • Sustainable competitive advantage
  • Other notable factors that showcase the company’s success

“We received 575 nominations for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award, which surpassed last year’s record of 425 nominations,” stated Jennifer Deamud, Associate State Director of the Michigan Small Business Development Center and MCSB Board Chair. “In addition to a competitive landscape for this award, the businesses who are selected by the judges go through a rigorous due diligence process prior to the final decision.”

Other small business awards are presented at the gala. The Small Business Association of Michigan presents two Michigan 50 Companies alumni awards: Most Engaged Workplace and Strategically Focused. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) presents the SmartZone Best Small Business of the Year and the PTAC Best Small Business of the Year awards. The Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC) presents the SBDC Best Small Business of the Year award. The Michigan District office of the U.S. Small Business Administration presents a number of small business awards, including the SBA Small Business Person of the Year.

MCSB awardees, guests and small business supporters will gather on May 8 to highlight the importance of small businesses in Michigan and to acknowledge the companies that are creating jobs and growing. The awards gala will be held at the Breslin Center in Lansing, MI during National Small Business Week, May 5-11, drawing extra attention to Michigan’s role in stimulating the national and global economy.

A list of the 2019 MCSB awardees can be found on the MCSB website at https://www.michigancelebrates.biz/2019-awardees/.

Tickets are available for $145 per person and table discounts are available. Information about MCSB can be found at www.MichiganCelebrates.org.

Corp! is a media partner for the event.

About Michigan Celebrates Small Business
Michigan Celebrates Small Business (MCSB) is a collaboration of trusted statewide founding organizations who offer resources for small businesses. Since 2005, Michigan Celebrates Small Business awards gala has celebrated how small businesses positively impact our communities and state. The MCSB 501(c)(3) organization is focused on supporting, connecting and celebrating small businesses in Michigan.  The Michigan Small Business Development Center is the managing partner of Michigan Celebrates Small Business in 2019. Michigan Celebrates Small Business was founded by the Michigan Small Business Development Center, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, U.S. Small Business Administration – Michigan, Edward Lowe Foundation, Michigan Business Network, and the Small Business Association of Michigan.