2 local small businesses get awards from state nonprofit
Two mid-michigan businesses will receive award recognition from Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses.
Michigan Celebrates Small Businesses is a nonprofit organization that is comprised of statewide founding organizations that provide small businesses with resources to help their company grow. MCSB has Since 2005, their awards gala has celebrated and honored the impact small businesses have on our communities and state.
Merchandise Outlet will be one of the recipients of the 2021 Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award and E & S Graphics, Inc. is one of the recipients for the 2021 Michigan Small Business Development Center Best Small Business award.
Merchandise Outlet is a family owned discount retailer focusing on liquidations and closeouts and
provides customers with deeply discounted prices on many different categories of merchandise. The store has been operating for over 30 years and has locations in Mt. Pleasant, Harrison, Gladwin, Gaylord, Cadillac, Houghton Lake, Lewiston, and Mancelona.
“As a family owned and operated company, we take pride in the value we are able to provide to our customers and communities we serve on a daily basis,” Merchandise Outlet chief operating officer Mike Schuette said. “Helping customers stretch their dollar further, especially in the current environment, has been our sole mission. We have an incredible team of employees throughout Michigan who are the heart of our company and we incredibly honored to share this award with them.”
Companies nominated for the Michigan 50 Companies to Watch award must be second-stage companies, defined as having six to 99 full-time-equivalent employees and generating $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or working capital from investors or grants. Additionally, the companies must be privately held and headquartered in Michigan.
The nominees are evaluated on employee or sales growth, exceptional entrepreneurial leadership, and sustainable competitive advantage among other factors that showcase the company’s success. Over 500 companies were nominated for Michigan 50 Companies to Watch.
“Small businesses create significant economic impact in communities all across Michigan, Josh Hundt, Chief Business Development Officer and Executive Vice President at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, said. “We are excited to acknowledge and celebrate more than 80 small businesses this year who have been selected by their peers, communities and small business support organizations and demonstrate the resiliency and impact of Michigan small businesses.”
E & S Graphics, Inc. is an integrated marketing solutions provider, specializing in print, signs, vinyl graphics, engraving and branded promo items. It’s based in Ithaca and provides services for the central and mid Michigan area.
“We are beyond grateful to be selected for this award,” Nick Houghton, Owner of E & S Graphics, Inc., said. “This award is a direct representation of the value of being surrounded by a great TEAM! Our Team at E & S Graphics, Inc. is the backbone of our business and I can’t thank them enough.”
Recipients of the Best Small Business must be the client of the Michigan Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which provides small businesses with low-cost training and counseling support. Each of the Michigan SBDC Regional Centers submit one company to be recognized.
“In this past year, Michigan small businesses have been tested like never before,” Michigan SBDC State Director J.D. Collins said. “They’ve shown remarkable resilience, creativity, and the ability to adapt to an ever-changing climate. From the 140 business consultants at the Michigan SBDC, cheers to your entrepreneurial spirit, cheers to your grit and determination, congratulations to this year’s awardees. It’s an honor serving you.”
Both mid-michigan businesses will be honored at an awards ceremony during the 17th annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business gala event, July 20. At this time MCSB is planning for a hybrid approach to the celebration, offering a virtual and in-person experience. If an in-person gala is permitted, MCSB will comply with CDC, state and Michigan State University guidelines.