Oakland Thrive Spotlight Awards 2026: The Pitch honors Oakland County’s small business community and business leaders who support a thriving, inclusive, and vibrant economy. This event includes a catered dinner, small business pitch competition, networking opportunities, and shopping with independently owned retailers. Funds raised will support Oakland Thrive’s work to support small businesses in Oakland County.
This event is open to all community members, small business owners, and anyone interested in supporting small businesses in Oakland County.
Individual tickets are $85 and include an open bar.
Individual Tickets are $85 and include “tastes” from our local food vendors as well as 2 drink tickets.
The Thrive Awards honor individuals or organization trailblazers for their significant and lasting contributions and commitment to diversity in economic growth and business expansion, inclusivity, and community activism on both the county and/or state level. Each award recipient will be celebrated at this year’s reception. Honorees and guests will be presented with their award that evening and toasted at the cocktail reception prior to the strolling Small Business Spotlight reception.
Key Contribution: Expanded small business resources in Oakland County.
This award honors an individual, group, or partner whose commitment to growth and expansion of small businesses provides a substantive contribution to ensure inclusive education, funding, programming and/or networking opportunities.
Key Contribution: Demonstrated commitment to growing their business.
This award honors an individual small business owner(s) who lives a small business life in Oakland County. Their participation in Oakland Thrive programs and services and their commitment to growing their business in Oakland County highlights the Oakland Thrive mission. This awardee signifies the importance of providing resources for business growth, small business, and community support.
Key Contribution: Closing the disparity gap.
This award recognizes the work of this awardee in supporting the mission and purpose of Oakland Thrive. Their commitment and growing contribution is a powerful surge of light and builds a stronger ecosystem contributing to economic development within diverse communities.
Key Contribution: Honoring legacy businesses that have stood the test of time, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and lasting contributions to economic growth and community prosperity.
This award recognizes a medium or large, successful company that exemplifies Oakland Thrive’s mission by supporting small local businesses or a medium/ large successful company that started as small business and has grown to a large company serving as an inspiration and creating an impact to small owners everywhere.
Key Contribution: Neighborhood Impact
This award recognizes retail and food businesses, including family-owned and generational establishments, that have made a meaningful impact on their neighborhoods. Their contributions—whether through charitable efforts, community value, longevity, or local admiration—will be highlighted for public voting.
Key Contribution: Honors a distinguished partner or entity that has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to economic growth, innovation, and community prosperity.
This award recognizes lasting impact by creating jobs, fostering entrepreneurship, and contributing to the economic vitality of Oakland County. Through dedication, leadership, and sustained success, the recipient of this award has set a standard of excellence, leaving a legacy that will inspire future generations of business owners and community leaders.
Support a thriving Oakland County economy by sponsoring The Pitch, Awards, & Small Business Spotlight!
✦ 12 event tickets
✦ Speaking opportunity during the event program
✦ Logo displayed prominently during the program
✦ Dedicated social media sponsor spotlight
✦ VIP/preferred seating
✦ Premium photo opportunity with Oakland Thrive leadership and pitch finalists
✦ Recognition in post-event communications
✦ Recognition on social media, website, and during the event
✦ 10 event tickets
✦ Dedicated social media recognition
✦ Preferred seating
✦ Photo opportunity with Oakland Thrive leadership/pitch finalists
✦ Logo displayed during the program
✦ Recognition on social media, website, and during the event
✦ Recognition in post-event communications
✦ 8 event tickets
✦ Logo displayed during the program
✦ Preferred seating
✦ Recognition on social media, website, and during the event
✦ Recognition in post-event communications
✦ Photo opportunity
✦ 6 event tickets
✦ Logo displayed during the program
✦ Recognition on social media, website, and during the event
✦ Photo opportunity
Limited to 1 Sponsor
✦ 3 event tickets
✦ Logo on bar signage
✦ Name the specialty cocktail/mocktail
✦ Recognition on social media, website, and during the event
✦ Photo opportunity
✦ 4 event tickets
✦ Social media and website recognition
✦ Name recognition during the program
✦ Photo opportunity
Oakland Thrive client rate: $250
✦ 2 event tickets
✦ Social media and website recognition
✦ Name recognition during the program
✦ Photo opportunity
