The 20th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards gala took place at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University, honoring several Mid-Michigan businesses for showcasing economic growth in the state. Behind the glamour of the event, organizers emphasized the importance of recognizing the resilience and innovation that entrepreneurs bring to Michigan. Awards were presented for community contribution, workplace culture, and maintaining a pattern of growth and expansion.
Jennifer Deamud, chair of MSCB, emphasized the significance of recognizing small businesses and entrepreneurs in a state that values entrepreneurship. Blue Owl Coffee of Lansing and Iaso Therapeutics, Inc. of East Lansing were among the businesses awarded as the Michigan SBDC Best Small Businesses and SmartZone Best Small Businesses, respectively.
The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the 2024 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch, which included businesses that brought in a total revenue of over $414 million last year and are expected to grow this year. Among the winners were Custom Built Design and Remodeling of Okemos, Fahey Schultz Burzych Rhods PLC of Okemos, LorAnn Oils Inc. of Lansing, Michigan Creative of Lansing, and Elderly Instruments of Lansing.
Lillian Werbin, CEO of Elderly Instruments, expressed her gratitude for being recognized among amazing businesses that care about their company and employees. Werbin shared how she started part-time in the warehouse and worked her way up, earning the trust of her staff. The event also introduced a new award category for women-owned small businesses, which was awarded to Stacy Paul of Grand Rapids-based Array of Engineers.
The Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards gala highlighted the importance of supporting and recognizing the contributions of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the state.