Nominations are now open for the third annual Market Van Buren Awards, celebrating small businesses that strengthen the local economy in Cass and Van Buren counties. Community members can vote for their favorite emerging business until March 1.

Two awards are available: one for a business from Cass County and one for a business from Van Buren County.

Residents have until 11:59 p.m. on March 1 to nominate their own or someone else's business.

Winners will be honored at an awards ceremony in June.

“We are excited to hold our annual Market Van Buren Awards event to celebrate the small businesses that power our communities,” said Zach Morris, Executive Director of Market Van Buren. “Starting a new business is never easy. Our team puts this on each year to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and drive that it takes to start and grow businesses in Cass and Van Buren Counties.”

To be nominated, small businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Have been in operation for two or fewer years as of January 1, 2023
• Produce a product or provide a service in Cass or Van Buren County

Businesses should also demonstrate excellence in strategic planning, employee development, community involvement and customer service.

Click here to nominate a business.