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.